Behavior outcomes in early childhood: The influences of cumulative risk and the childcare environment

Elvin Thomaseo Burton, Purdue University

Abstract

Previous research suggests that cumulative risk at differing ecological levels is related to child maladjustment while high-quality extra-familial childcare can contribute to healthy psychological development. However, few studies have examined specific mechanisms of the childcare environment that may be protective. The present study of 274 preschool children and their primary caregiver examined whether accumulated risks at the individual, family, or social levels contributed to the development of internalizing behaviors, externalizing behaviors, and social competence. This study also explored the contribution of the childcare environment to the development of child behavior problems over and beyond the effects of cumulative risk. Finally, the present study investigated the moderational influence of the childcare environment in order to specify the mechanisms by which protection against cumulative risk may be conferred. Results were consistent with previous findings that cumulative risk has a deleterious influence on child behavior outcomes. However, characteristics of childcare quality were found to have an overall negligible influence on child behaviors over and beyond cumulative risk. In terms of moderators, lower levels of program structure in conjunction with social-level risk predicted lower levels of social competence. Interestingly, interactions of cumulative risk with positive classroom interactions and high levels of classroom activity predicted increased externalizing behaviors and impaired social competence, respectively. Although this study provides little guidance for intervention efforts, future researchers are urged to examine the childcare environment more carefully in order to uncover potentially protective aspects of this setting.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Lynam, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Behavioral psychology|Developmental psychology|Psychology

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