Assessment of Mother-Child Interaction in Preschoolers with Behavior Problems

Sixty-four mothers and children, aged 24 to 54 months, were studied in three groups: a clinically-referred group of children with behavior problems, a clinic group with behavior problems and delayed development, and a matched comparison group. Mother-child dyads were seen in a session adapted from a problem-solving procedure and were scored on their approach to tasks, relationship, and separation-reunion behavior. Mothers reported on children's behavior using a Problem Behavior Checklist. Results showed that behavior of dyads varied as a function of problem group. Clinic mothers were less supportive and helpful in assisting their children than comparison group mothers. Clinic children had difficulty in relationships with their mothers but only delayed children had difficulty with the tasks. Children's behaviors reported on the Checklist tended to match their behavior as observed in the play session. Discriminant analysis predicted problem group for 93% of the dyads. Semistructured play assessment can be an easily used diagnostic tool for understanding the role of the relationship in children's problem behavior.