Classification of Aggression and Social Withdrawal in Early Childhood and Its Associations with Peer Competence: Using Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate profiles of aggression and social withdrawal in early childhood, using the latent profile analysis to identify differences in peer competence among profiles groups. Methods The participants were 376 children, ages 3 through 5, in four kindergarten classes and five daycare centers in Busan, and their teachers. For data analysis, this study applied a latent profile analysis, to derive latent profile groups, and a three-step approach, to determine whether there was a significant difference in peer competence among profile groups. Results Aggression and social withdrawal in early childhood were found in five profile groups; Middle aggression/Low social withdrawal (25.1%), Low aggression/Unsociability dominated (5.7%), Middle aggression/Middle social withdrawal (44.7%), Low aggression/High shyness and unsociability (11.4%), and High aggression/High social withdrawal (13.1%). There were differences in the level of peer competence (sociality, prosocial behavior, and leadership) in five profile groups of aggression and social withdrawal. Conclusion The results provide basic data for the program to help those children who show maladaptive behaviors in early childhood educational institutions. Keywords: aggression, social withdrawal, peer competence, latent profile analysis