Preschooler's Temperament, Behavior Problems and Mother's Childrearing Burden

Abstract

Purpose: The purposes of this descriptive survey study were to determine the relationships between the perception on the temperament and behavior problems of their children and mothers’ characteristics with preschoolers.

Method: Data were collected from 125 mothers of preschoolers in Kunpo city. The instruments used for this study were Korean CBCL, childrearing burden, mother’s health questionnaire, and social support.

Results: There were significant differences in the behavior problems according to preschooler’s temperament.

Difficult children were more hyperactive, withdrawn, aggressive, and premature in behavior. Preschoolers’ behavior problems showed significant relationships with mothers’ health problem, childrearing burden, and social support.

Conclusion: Preschoolers’ behavior problems are affected by their temperament, and related with mothers’ characteristics. It is important to identify parents’ perception on their children’s temperament and behavior problems, and the parental role education programs are necessary.