Risk factors for later childhood mental health symptoms

January 01, 0001

Risk factors for later childhood mental health symptoms

These Australian researchers looked at predictors of later externalizing (behavioral) and internalizing (emotional) symptoms in children. The used data from cohorts in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (5107 0 to 1 year olds and 4983 4 to 5 year olds). Linear regression was utilized to compare potential risk factors and later mental health symptoms.

The researchers found: "In unadjusted analyses, children's mental health symptoms were predicted by a large number of risk factors. In multivariate models, early childhood factors (birth through 5 years) explained 30% and 18% of variations in externalizing and internalizing symptoms, respectively, at 4 to 5 years of age. Middle childhood (5-9 years of age) factors explained 20% and 23% of variations in externalizing and internalizing symptoms, respectively, at 8 to 9 years of age. Harsh discipline was a strong consistent predictor of externalizing symptoms in both age groups, whereas poorer child physical health, maternal emotional distress, harsh discipline, and overinvolved/protective parenting (younger cohort only) predicted internalizing symptoms consistently."

The researchers concluded: "National data on predictors of child mental health symptoms highlighted a small number of significant risk factors, situated in the family context and present from a very young age. This knowledge is informing population-level, randomized, prevention trials of family support programs."

This study identifies several factors, including harsh discipline and other familial issues, as predictors for later childhood mental health issues.

For the full abstract, click here.

Pediatrics 128(4):e865-e879, October 2011 © 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics
Risk Factors for Childhood Mental Health Symptoms: National Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Jordana K. Bayer, Obioha C. Ukoumunne, Nina Lucas, Melissa Wake, Katherine Scalzo, Jan M. Nicholson.

Category: P. Psychological. Keywords: children, mental health, risk factors, harsh discipline, maternal depression, cohort study, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Paul Schaefer, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 25 October 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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