TY - JOUR PY - 2000// TI - Externalizing Problems in Head Start Children: An Ecological Exploration JO - Early education and development A1 - Harden, Brenda Jones A1 - Winslow, Monique B. A1 - Kendziora, Kimberly T. A1 - Shahinfar, Ariana A1 - Rubin, Kenneth H. A1 - Fox, Nathan A. A1 - Crowley, Michael J. A1 - Zahn-Waxler, Carolyn SP - 357 EP - 357 VL - 11 IS - 3 N2 - The increased familial and environmental stressors affecting Head Start families over the last two decades have precipitated an escalation of mental health difficulties among participant children (Yoshikawa & Knitzer, 1997). Using an ecological framework (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). this study explored externalizing behavior problems among a group of Head Start children in a suburban county. Children were assessed for externalizing behavior problems in the home and classroom. Additionally, parents participated in interviews about a variety of ecological factors related to children's behavior problems. Almost one-quarter of the children were identified by their parents as having externalizing behavioral problems in the borderline or clinical range. Twice as many girls as boys had borderline or clinical levels of behavioral problems. Child externalizing behavior was positively associated with child internalizing behavior, parent psychological symptomatology, child temperament, family environment, and exposure to community violence. Children with parent-identified externalizing behavior did have specific social problem-solving skills deficits. Additionally, they were observed to have high levels of specific inappropriate behavior, but did not exhibit high levels of teacher-rated behavior problems. The implications of these findings for Head Start program planning are discussed.

LA - SN - 1040-9289 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1207/s15566935eed1103_8 ID - ref1 ER -