Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
Volume 38, Issue 8, 2010, Pages 1151-1164

National origin and behavioural problems of toddlers: The role of family risk factors and maternal immigration characteristics (Article) (Open Access)

Jansen P.W. , Raat H. , MacKenbach J.P. , Jaddoe V.W.V. , Hofman A. , Van Oort F.V. , Verhulst F.C. , Tiemeier H.*
  • a Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Department of Child and Youth Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO-BOX 2060, Rotterdam 3000 CB, Netherlands, Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • b Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • c Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • d Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • e Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • f Department of Child and Youth Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO-BOX 2060, Rotterdam 3000 CB, Netherlands
  • g Department of Child and Youth Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO-BOX 2060, Rotterdam 3000 CB, Netherlands
  • h Department of Child and Youth Psychiatry, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO-BOX 2060, Rotterdam 3000 CB, Netherlands, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

In many societies the prevalence of behavioural problems in school-aged children varies by national origin. We examined the association between national origin and behavioural problems in 11/2-year-old children. Data on maternal national origin and the Child Behavior Checklist for toddlers (n = 4943) from a population-based cohort in the Netherlands were used. Children from various non-Dutch backgrounds all had a significantly higher mean behavioural problem score. After adjustment for family risk factors, like family income and maternal psychopathology, the differences attenuated, but remained statistically significant. Non-Dutch mothers with immigration risk factors, such as older age at immigration or no good Dutch language skills, reported significantly more behavioural problems in their offspring. In conclusion, the present study indicated more behavioural problems in immigrant toddlers from various backgrounds. Researchers and policymakers aiming to tackle disparities in behavioural problems should take into account that risks associated with national origin are intertwined with unfavourable family and immigration characteristics. © 2010 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Immigrant health Ethnicity National origin Behavioural problems Child behaviour

Index Keywords

Netherlands psychological aspect human Cohort Studies Child Behavior Disorders ethnology income Humans male Emigrants and Immigrants female Infant risk factor Risk Factors Mothers Article behavior disorder mother migration cohort analysis
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-78649323185&doi=10.1007%2fs10802-010-9424-z&partnerID=40&md5=18d1d3291cf9a86360bf0052fd83c41d
DOI: 10.1007/s10802-010-9424-z
ISSN: 00910627
Cited by: 22
Original Language: English