Behavior Problems In Preschool Children Research Articles

Are early emotional and behavioral problems related to subsequent asthma in preschool children?

Abstract Background The most common mental health problems in preschool children are emotional and behavioral problems, and one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases in children is asthma. Most research on the relationship between emotional and behavioral problems and asthma includes school-aged children. The current study aimed to explore the association between emotional and behavioral problems during preschool years and the risk of asthma in a Swedish context. Methods The study was a longitudinal cohort study, with 6954 children aged 3-5 years for which data on emotional and behavioral problems through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were collected in Uppsala Region, Sweden, between 2013 and 2017. The cohort was followed with data from the National Patient Register from 2013 to 2022. Asthma was defined as having at least three diagnoses (ICD-10 codes: J45-J46) during follow-up. Unadjusted and adjusted cox regression models were used to analyze data. Results A total of 269 children (3.9%) had diagnosed asthma during follow-up. Preliminary results show that children with emotional symptoms, rated separately by mothers (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.20), fathers (HR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.10-2.03), and preschool teachers (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.08-2.16) had increased risk of being diagnosed with asthma according to unadjusted cox-regression models. In addition, children with total emotional and behavioural problems, rated by fathers (HR: 1.51 95% CI: 1.10-2.07) were also at higher risk of being diagnosed with asthma. These associations remained significant when adjusting for background and sociodemographic factors. Conclusions Our findings point to the significance of a clinical awareness of the relation between emotional and behavioral problems and asthma in young children. Our findings highlight the importance of also considering somatic problems, including asthma, in children with early signs of emotional and behavioral problems. Key messages • Emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children is related to being diagnosed with asthma. • Somatic problems, as asthma, needs to be considered in children with emotional and behavioral problems.

Effectiveness of a training program among parents of preschool children with ASD in Tunisia: a randomized controlled trial

Raising a child with ASD can be overwhelming and challenging for parents, and it poses different needs that require support, guidance, and education. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention developed to support parents of children with ASD in Tunisia. A randomized controlled trial was carried out in three Autism socio-educational centers in Tunisia. The study was conducted among parents of children with ASD aged 3 to 8 years from November 2020 to January 2022 (N = 31) compared to a control sample of parents of children attending the same centers but received no specific parent intervention (n = 31). The “Blue Hope” program includes eight training sessions delivered through a combination of face-to-face and online sessions. Results showed that the program significantly improved communication and reduced behavior problems in preschool children with ASD, with a significant positive difference noted at the 6-month follow-up. The program also had a positive impact on parental anxiety and depression, with significant and positive differences observed in anxiety and depression scores and the total score at follow-up compared to baseline. These findings suggest that the “Blue Hope” program could be a cost-effective and valuable solution for parents of children with ASD in Tunisia and could be the first step in developing and improving training programs for parents in low-income countries.

Computerized adaptive testing to screen pre-school children for emotional and behavioral problems.

Questionnaires to detect emotional and behavioral (EB) problems in preventive child healthcare (PCH) should be short; this potentially affects their validity and reliability. Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) could overcome this weakness. The aim of this study was to (1) develop a CAT to measure EB problems among pre-school children and (2) assess the efficiency and validity of this CAT. We used a Dutch national dataset obtained from parents of pre-school children undergoing a well-child care assessment by PCH (n = 2192, response 70%). Data regarded 197 items on EB problems, based on four questionnaires, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social Emotional (ASQ:SE), and the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA). Using 80% of the sample, we calculated item parameters necessary for a CAT and defined a cutoff for EB problems. With the remaining part of the sample, we used simulation techniques to determine the validity and efficiency of this CAT, using as criterion a total clinical score on the CBCL. Item criteria were met by 193 items. This CAT needed, on average, 16 items to identify children with EB problems. Sensitivity and specificity compared to a clinical score on the CBCL were 0.89 and 0.91, respectively, for total problems; 0.80 and 0.93 for emotional problems; and 0.94 and 0.91 for behavioral problems. Conclusion: A CAT is very promising for the identification of EB problems in pre-school children, as it seems to yield an efficient, yet high-quality identification. This conclusion should be confirmed by real-life administration of this CAT. What is Known: • Studies indicate the validity of using computerized adaptive test (CAT) applications to identify emotional and behavioral problems in school-aged children. • Evidence is as yet limited on whether CAT applications can also be used with pre-school children. What is New: • The results of this study show that a computerized adaptive test is very promising for the identification of emotional and behavior problems in pre-school children, as it appears to yield an efficient and high-quality identification.

Prepoznavanje problema u ponašanju kod dece predškolskog uzrasta iz ugla vaspitača

Introduction. The research problem is formulated in the form of research questions: can educators recognize problems in the behavior of preschool children, and are they sufficiently competent to undertake planning actions related to the prevention and suppression of externalized and internalized problems in the behavior of preschool children? Objectives. The goal of the research was to determine whether educators can recognize problems in the behavior of preschool children and take measures to overcome these problems. Methods. The research was conducted in January 2023 on a sample of 124 educators from the areas of Bačka and Banat. The teacher's assessment of the recognition of problems in the behavior of preschool children was examined with the Scaler - RBDCPA-EP constructed for the purposes of this research (a = .822). It consists of three subtests: 1) recognition of behavioral problems in preschool children; 2) informing parents and professional associates about observed problems in the behavior of preschool-age children; and 3) taking action to narrow down behavioral problems. Results. The results of the research show that problems in the behavior of preschool-age children can be predictive factors that show behavioral disorders in adolescence. Conclusion. It is concluded that, besides the primary role of educators, it is necessary to undertake a series of planned actions so that preschool institutions provide optimal support for children with behavioral problems and their families.

Social Emotional Well-Being, Psychological Resilience and Behavioural Problems in Preschool Children: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation

Social Emotional Well-Being, Psychological Resilience and Behavioural Problems in Preschool Children: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation

IDENTIFICATION OF BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN PRESCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

The aim of the research is to analyze the theoretical literature on the manifestations of behavior problems of preschool children and to develop and approve a child behavior problem identification tool for educators.The research analyzes the theoretical literature and summarizes findings on the manifestations of behavioral problems of preschool children; analyzes the existing methods of identification of children's behavioral problems in preschool; a study was conducted on the identification of behavioral problems of preschool children and a child behavior problem identification tool developed.

The Relationship between Social and Family Structures and Behavioral Problems in Preschool Children

Behavioral problems in children are indicators of compromised mental health. Their development is influenced by family and social factors, with limited understanding of interactions among family structure, educational status, migration background, and parental employment concerning behavioral problems. These associations were investigated in children between 5-6 years of age. Data (n=15,271) were collected between 09/2018 and 08/2019 in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein as part of school entry examinations. Children's behavioral problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Statistical analyses included descriptive assessments and the calculation of a bivariate logistic regression model, with SDQ's outcomes "problematic" and "non-problematic" as dependent variables, and social and family factors as independent variables (gender, family structure, number of siblings, language proficiency, migration background, parental education level, parental employment, and sports participation in a sports club). Logistic regression analyses revealed that children living with single parents had a 2.1-fold (odds ratio; OR) higher likelihood [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7-2.6] of displaying behavioral problems compared to children living with both biological parents. Only children had a 1.4-fold higher likelihood [95% CI: 1.2-1.8] compared to children with one or two siblings. Children with a unilateral migration background exhibited a lower likelihood of behavioral problems [OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.38-0.87] than children without a migration background. Children from families with low educational attainment had a 3-fold higher likelihood of behavioral problems [95% CI: 2.3-3.8] compared to those from high educational attainment families. When both parents (or the single parent) were employed at least part-time, there was a lower likelihood of behavioral problems [OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.47-0.71] in the child compared to situations where at least one parent was unemployed. This study identified sociodemographic factors associated with manifestation of behavioral problems. Particularly, single parents, families with lower educational levels and families with at least one unemployed parent should be targeted for intervention.

Behavior problems of preschoolers with Developmental Language Disorder

Objective: Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) are prone to numerous adverse outcomes throughout their lives. The aim of the study was to investigate risk factors and behavior problems in children aged 1.5 to 5 years with DLD in a low/middle-income country. Material and Methods: This case-control study included 101 preschoolers (54 children with DLD and 47 children with typical development (TD)). A developmental pediatrician evaluated each child’s development using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Children Behavior Checklist and Beck Depression Inventory were completed by mothers. Socio-demographic information and screen parameters were obtained using a researcher-developed form. Results: Risk factors for DLD were identified as less frequent reading books with parents, consanguineous marriage, and having a family member with language disorders. Preschoolers with DLD had more behavior problems (except sleep and somatic problems) than preschoolers with TD (p<0.050). The risk factors for behavior problems of preschooler with DLD in the multivariable regression model included: ages of parents and children, paternal education, lack of having their own room, and maternal depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Consistent with the findings of this study, consanguineous marriage, family history of language disorders, and infrequent reading of books with parents were associated with the development of DLD. Attention should be given to behavioral problems in preschool children with DLD. Maternal depressive symptoms, lower paternal education, younger father, and lack of having their own room can be highlighted factors for behavior problems of children with DLD. Parents play a crucial role in shaping behavior and language development during the preschool period.

The role of mother-child relationship in the association between maternal parenting stress and emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children

To study the moderating effect of mother-child relationship in the association between maternal parenting stress and emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children, and to provide reference for the prevention and control of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children. Using a stratified cluster sampling method, 2 049 preschool children were surveyed from November to December 2021, who sampled from 12 kindergartens in Wuhu City, Anhui Province. The emotional and behavioral problems of preschool children were assessed with the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship of maternal parenting stress and mother-child relationship with children's emotional and behavioral problems. The PROCESS Macro was used to analyze the moderating effect of conflicted and dependent mother-child relationships in the association between maternal parenting stress and emotional and behavioral problems in these preschool children. Among these preschool children, maternal parenting stress was positively correlated with the scores of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems subscales and total difficulty scores (P<0.001); intimate mother-child relationships were negatively correlated with the scores of conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems subscales and total difficulty scores (P<0.001); conflicted and dependent mother-child relationships were positively correlated with the scores of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems subscales and total difficulty scores (P<0.001). After controlling for relevant confounding factors, conflicted mother-child relationship (β=0.05, P=0.001) and dependent mother-child relationship (β=0.04, P=0.012) were found to have a moderating effect on the association between maternal parenting stress and total difficulty scores in these preschool children. Negative mother-child relationships play a moderating role in the association between maternal parenting stress and emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children. Prevention of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children should focus on reducing maternal parenting stress and improving negative mother-child relationships.

Maternal social isolation and behavioral problems in preschool children: the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study.

It is essential to clarify factors associated with mental health and behavioral problems in early childhood, because children are critical stages of life for mental health. We aimed to prospectively examine the associations between maternal social isolation and behavioral problems in preschool children. We analyzed data from 5842 mother-child pairs who participated in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. The Lubben Social Network Scale-abbreviated version was used to assess social isolation (defined as scores < 12) one year after delivery. The Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5 was used to assess behavioral problems, and its subscales were used to assess internalizing and externalizing problems in children at 4years of age. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between social isolation and behavioral problems, after adjustment for age, education, income, work status, marital status, extraversion, neuroticism, depressive symptoms, child sex, and number of siblings. Multiple logistic regression analyses were also conducted for internalizing problems and externalizing problems. The prevalence of maternal social isolation was 25.4%. Maternal social isolation was associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems in children: the odds ratio (OR) was 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.64). Maternal social isolation was also associated with increased risks of internalizing problems and externalizing problems in children: the ORs were 1.33 (95% CI, 1.12-1.59) and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.18-1.66), respectively. In conclusion, maternal social isolation one year after delivery was associated with behavioral problems in children at 4years of age.

Investigation of the Predictive Effect of Parents' Life Positions on Preschool Children's Behavior Problems.

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of parents' life position on the prediction of behavioral problems of preschool children. The sample of the study consisted of 364 children enrolled in independent kindergartens and preschools of primary schools affiliated to Altındağ District Directorate of National Education in Turkey and their parents (290 mothers and 97 fathers). In the study, the survey model, which aims to determine the current situation among quantitative research methods, and the relational model, which aims to reveal the link between two or more variables and the strength of the link, were used (Frankel et al., 2011). The data obtained from the study in which "Family Information Form, Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scale and Life Positions Scale" were used as data collection tools were analyzed with Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Regression analysis methods. When the findings of the research were examined, it was found that as the "I am Okey, You are Okey" life position of the parents increased, the children's total behavior problems, which consisted of internalizing, externalizing and a combination of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, decreased whereas "I am not Okey, You are Okey" and "I am not Okey, You are not Okey" life positions increased, the children's internalizing, externalizing and total behavior problems increased. Moreover, the regression analysis results of the study showed that parents' life positions had a statistically significant effect in predicting their children's behavior problems.

Prenatal Healthy Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Reduced Behavioral Problems of Preschool Children in China: A Latent Class Analysis.

The relation between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and offspring behavioral problems is less verified. Therefore, we have aimed to assess the relationship between them and have hypothesized that children of mothers with healthy dietary patterns during pregnancy have better behavior. The 1612 mother-child pairs of the China-Anhui Birth Cohort Study (C-ABCS) have been enrolled as the study population. The dietary behaviors of mothers during early and mid-pregnancy have been investigated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Preschool child behavioral problems have been assessed. Clusters of maternal food groups intakes have been identified using latent class analysis, and the association between maternal dietary patterns and child behavioral problems has been subsequently analyzed using logistic regression. Maternal age at inclusion is 26.56 ± 3.51 years. There has been a preponderance of boys (53.3%). Maternal food groups intakes have been classified into four groups: "High-consumed pattern (HCP)", "Southern dietary pattern (SDP)", "Northern dietary pattern (NDP)", and "Low-consumed pattern (LCP)". The offspring with maternal SDP and NDP have lower emotional symptoms compared to the offspring with maternal LCP in the first trimester (p < 0.05). It has been reported to lower conduct problems in children with maternal SDP than the children with maternal LCP in the second trimester (p < 0.05). In boys, we have detected associations between first-trimester SDP and lower emotional symptoms (p < 0.05) and between second-trimester SDP with decreased peer relationship problems (p < 0.05). In girls, total difficulty scores are lower with second-trimester SDP (p < 0.05). Maternal SDP in early and mid-pregnancy predicts reduced behavioral problems in preschool children, while maternal HCP and NDP during pregnancy may result in fewer developmental benefits.

The Effect of Pythagorean Self-Awareness on Heart Rate Variability, Perceived Stress and Behavior of Preschool Children.

Stress is associated with unhealthy habits and non-communicable diseases. It is also linked to communicable diseases due to its impact on immune function. These can be prevented through intervention programs in schools. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the simplified Pythagorean Self-Awareness Intervention on heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, perceived stress and behaviors of preschool children. The sample of the study consisted of 45 preschool students. A “one group (double) pretest—posttest design” was used, to allow for comparisons of the measurements before and after the intervention. Students were assessed via two questionnaires (“Perceived Stress Scale for Children” (PSS-C) and “Checklist for Screening Behavioral Problems in Preschool Children”) and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) device. The intervention lasted 9 weeks and included practicing of the Pythagorean Self-awareness techniques and the adoption of healthy behaviors. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two pretests (p > 0.05 for all comparisons) and statistically significant differences between the second pretest and posttest (“Perceived Stress Scale for Children”, (PSS-C) p < 0.0001, “Checklist for Screening Behavioral Problems in Preschool Children” p < 0.0001 and two indices of PPG device: heart rate mean, p < 0.0001, low frequency/very low frequency, p = 0.034). In conclusion, the Pythagorean Self-Awareness Intervention had a beneficial effect on the sample of preschool students examined, as the results showed an improvement in the perceived stress and the HRV parameters tested, and in engaging healthier behaviors, findings that indicate a relaxed psychologic state and a healthier lifestyle.

Influence of parental self-efficacy on behavioural problems of pre-school children

Parental self efficacy is the parent’s conviction about being capable in influencing their children’s behaviour. A correlation research design was employed to study the influence of parental self-efficacy on behavioral problems of pre-school children in both rural and urban locality. Multistage random sampling was employed where rural sample formed 213 pre-school children from ten Anganwadi’s and urban sample formed 121 pre-school children from six Anganwadi’s from the selected villages of Dharwad district. The influence of parental self-efficacy on behavioural problems was studied on a dichotomized sample of 206 children falling in normal and borderline/clinical range for behavioural problems which were assessed by administering the Child Behavior Checklist. The self efficacy among parents was assessed by administering Cooper Parental Self-Efficacy Scale-Child Health Behavior by Cooper (2013). The results revealed that, 47% of pre-schoolers were in the borderline while 13.8 % were in clinical range for behavioural problems. Parents from urban locality had higher self efficacy than rural parents. Parental self efficacy was not found to be significantly influencing behavioural problems among rural pre-schoolers than urban pre-schoolers. To manage the behavioural problems among pre-schoolers, self efficacy skills of parents can be enhanced by adopting individualized intervention programmes.

Kindergartenkinder am Smartphone und Tablet: Zusammenhänge mit der sozial-emotionalen Entwicklung und Verhaltensproblemen – eine Scoping Review

Young children's use of smartphones and tablets is increasingly prevalent. Smartphones and tablets are part of families' daily lives. Therefore, preschoolers are confronted with mobile devices as well, and learn to use them naturally. Specialists who work with children or deal with various aspects of early childhood development are alarmed and warn of resulting harmful effects. It is also feared that research on the impact of smartphone and tablet use on child development cannot keep pace with the rapid technological developments. This review therefore looks at associations between the use of mobile devices and social-emotional development as well as the emergence of behavioral problems in preschool children aged four to six years. A search of the literature was conducted in two databases, PsycInfo and Pubmed. Based on the title, abstract, and in some cases other parts of 861 articles, 7 articles were included.The seven articles are in different research areas, and each demonstrates important research approaches for the topic. An experimental case study with a learning app found benefits for young children's social behavior. On the other hand, a neuropsychological study pointed out that the social dimension of pretend play is missing when playing with a tablet. Other studies, cross-sectional and longitudinal, found certain associations between the use of digital devices and impaired social-emotional development as well as behavioral problems in preschool children and also identified mediators such as parental stress. In sum, however, the results do not provide a consistent picture of the role of smartphone use for social-emotional development and behavior problems in the preschool years. Further research that keeps pace with technology developments is needed.

Neonatal stress and behavior problems in preschool children born preterm.

The aim of the present longitudinal study was to examine the effect of preterm childbirth, acute neonatal stress, and child behavior at 18-36months of age on later behavior outcomes in 4-5-year-old children. The sample comprised of 70 children who were born preterm. The neonatal characteristics of children were assessed during hospitalization by reviewing their medical records and utilizing the Neonatal Infant Stressor Scale. Behavior problems were evaluated by the maternal-report in the Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5years. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. Also, the repeated measures analysis of variance and the McNemar test for paired samples were performed. Daily exposure of the infants to high neonatal acute stress during NICU hospitalization and more behavior problems at 18-36months of age was associated with more total and externalizing behavior problems at 4-5years of age. Lower gestational age at childbirth and more internalizing behavior problems at 18-36months was associated with more internalizing problems at 4-5years old. The present study showed the combination of predictors of neonatal conditions and behavioral problems at childhood, highlighting the relevance of the implementation of developmental care in the NICU and follow-up the preterm infants after discharge programs.

Factors influencing emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children with cancer based on self-regulation shift theory.

The objective is to investigate the factors influencing emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children with cancer and to provide a scientific basis for developing predictive intervention strategies. We recruited 375 preschool children with cancer, from March 2019 to February 2020, via convenience sampling. The self-regulation shift theory was implemented as a theoretical framework and a structural equation model was applied to construct and validate this framework and to analyze the relationships among various influencing factors. Children's effortful control, parent-child attachment, the family environment, family upbringing, parents' marital quality, parents' education level, and social support significantly affected children's emotions and behaviors. Additionally, children's effortful control and parent-child attachment mediated the effect of the family environment, family upbringing, and parents' marital quality on children's emotions and behaviors." This study identified several factors that influence children's emotions and behaviors, which should be considered while developing predictive intervention strategies to promote children's rehabilitation and improve parents' education, thus offering improved support for children with cancer.

Differentiating Preschoolers With(Out) Social-Emotional and Behavioral Problems: Do We Have a Useful Tool?

The early identification of social-emotional and behavioral problems of preschool children has become an important goal in research and clinical practice. A growing number of studies have been published in this field; however, most focus on behavior problems, or on social skills, but few on both. The present study aims to test the validity of the Portuguese version of the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales–Second Edition (PKBS-2) in differentiating two groups of preschoolers regarding their social skills and behavior problems: 41 children at risk for disruptive behavior (BP group) and 41 selected from the PKBS-2 normative sample (comparison group). Each child was rated with the PKBS-2 by parents and teachers. Results showed that children in the BP group were rated by their parents as having fewer social skills and more behavior problems than the comparison group ( p &lt; .01, for the majority of the PKBS-2 scores). A similar pattern was found for teachers’ ratings. The discriminant functional analysis highlighted the Social Cooperation and the Externalizing Problem Behavior subscales as most accurate in differentiating the two groups. The usefulness of the PKBS-2 Portuguese version as a valid assessment tool available for practice and research with preschoolers was supported.

Relationship between montelukast and behavioral problems in preschool children with asthma.

There is insufficient clarity regarding whether or not drugs used in asthma cause behavioral problems in children. A total of 155 individuals, categorized into an asthma group (n = 95) and a control group (n = 60), were enrolled in the current prospective controlled study. The asthma group consisted of patients receiving treatment (inhaled corticosteroids [ICS] or montelukast) for at least 1 month. Check Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for ages 1.5-5 scores for the asthma and controls were compared. The asthma group was divided into two subgroups based on prophylactic therapy received, ICS and montelukast, and these groups' CBCL scores were also compared. The asthma group consisted of 95 children (ICS subgroup 45, montelukast subgroup 50) and the healthy control group of 60 cases. The mean total CBCL score was higher in the asthma group than in the control group (42 vs 32, respectively, P = 0.001). Internalization and externalization scores were also higher in the asthma group compared to the control group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.005, respectively). No significant difference was determined in terms of CBCL scores between the ICS and montelukast groups (P = 0.3). Montelukast was discontinued in one asthmatic child due to hallucination. This study determined a higher rate of behavioral problems in preschool children with asthma compared to healthy children. In contrast to other studies in the literature, we determined no difference in terms of total CBCL, and internalization and externalization scores of children with asthma who received ICS and montelukast. Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that montelukast may cause serious neuropsychiatric events such as hallucination.

Salivary oxytocin after play with parents predicts behavioural problems in preschool children

BackgroundOxytocin (OXT) has attracted research interest for its potential involvement in many of the behavioural problems observed in childhood. Due to its logistical advantages, saliva is an attractive fluid to quantify neuropeptides in children. Salivary OXT has been suggested as a potential biomarker for psychopathology during childhood. However, several questions still remain about the extent to which, and under what conditions, concentrations of OXT in saliva can be reliably measured and are related to behavioural problems in preschool age children. MethodsSeven samples of saliva from 30 preschool children (17 girls) were collected in five different days at their homes. Three of the samples were collected by the children's parents at baseline daily routine conditions, and four of the samples were collected by researchers during two home-visits: before and after two 15-minute dyadic play sessions (one with mothers and one fathers) between each individual parent and the child. Oxytocin concentrations were quantified by Radioimmunoassay with prior extraction. Children's behavioural problems were assessed by the Caregiver-Teacher Report Form (C-TRF) questionnaire, completed by the child's’ preschool teacher. ResultsSalivary OXT measured in baseline samples could not predict any of the behavioural problems measured by the C-TRF. However, when measured after playing with parents salivary OXT showed a stronger pattern of negative correlations, specially with the depression and opposition scales of the C-TRF. Furthermore, salivary OXT was unlikely to be reliably measured using single sampling, but acceptable reliabilities were achieved when averaging several samples. Finally, the single measures of salivary OXT evoked after an episode of play with parents showed better reliabilities than collected at baseline. ConclusionMeasurements of OXT evoked after positive affect interactions with parents seem to capture aspects of the OXT system in young children that might be relevant for understanding the role of this system in children’s social behaviour.