The prevalence and nature of behaviour problems in primary school children in the South Coast Region of Queensland

Abstract

A survey to determine the prevalence and nature of behaviour problems (adjustment difficulties) in State primary school children in the South Coast Region of Queensland, was conducted using a personally abbreviated form of the Achenbach and Edelbrock (1986) Child Behaviour Checklist - Teacher Report Form (CBCL-TRF). The subjects of this study were 494 children (407 boys and 87 girls) aged between 6 and 13 years, who were nominated by teachers from a random selection of 30 schools in the Region. Teachers were asked to complete the checklists on children whose behaviour had caused them concern within the last two months. Results indicated that 3% (494) of the children in these schools were reported to have a behaviour problem as perceived by teachers, and 23% (370) were determined to have a behaviour problem in the clinical range of functioning, according to the CBCL-TRF. Specific types of problems were identified in each of the age and gender groups, but aggression was perceived to be the most frequent problem across age and gender. Behaviour problems were also shown to be associated with poor academic performance. Overall this study provides useful information, in the form of general prevalence estimates, on which to base a regional adjustment policy.