The current study focuses on behavior problems in children of immigrant families at preschool age and compares their problems to those of native German children. Likewise their quality of life and the quality of life of their mothers were compared. In total, 188 children, aged 44-68 months, were tested. Results show that children from immigrant families (n = 57) show more behavior problems than their native German peers, rated by parents and teachers. Further, teachers gave higher rates for hyperactivity but lower ones for prosocial behavior for children of immigrant families. Parents described more problems with peers. There were no differences in the health-related quality of life of children from a multivariate perspective, whereas from a univariate perspective children of immigrant families got lower scores for "self-esteem" and "emotional well-being" than did native children. Migrant mothers with preschool children showed lower quality of life relating to environmental capabilities than German mothers. On the other hand, they described themselves as having more energy for everyday life and being more satisfied with themselves and their personal contacts. This result showed that these resources should be used and advanced. © Hogrefe Verlag Gottingen 2019.

immigrant families Children Preschool age Quality of life Behavior problems

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