The Theoretical Approach to Child Behavior

Have you ever wondered where the behavior of your child originated from? Many experts believe that it can be attributed to one or more theoretical perspectives that examine child development. From the earliest stages of childhood, children are constantly confronted with thoughts, people and situations that can influence their behavior. Understanding the significance of these factors can help you recognize what may influence behavioral responses to different stimuli. It can also give some insight into what factors contribute to anti-social or aggressive behavior.

  1. Environmental Factors

    • Environmental factors can contribute to the behavior of your child from the moment of conception, at birth and throughout childhood. In a study published in the "Journal of American Medical Association," Adhan T. Bhutta and colleagues found that children born premature were at a higher risk for developing ADHD and other behavioral problems. Prenatal smoking and exposure to lead could also affect behavior as your child reaches school age. Other influential factors include brain development, malnutrition and heredity.

    Temperament

    • Temperament helps to explain why the behaviors among children differ.

      Temperament involves reactions to new people and change, emotional intensity, tolerance of frustration and activity level. It can help account for the individual differences in children and why reactions and behaviors vary. For example, while your child may deal with moving to a new home by asking questions or treating it like an adventure, another child might show anger or nervousness at the new experience. Negative behavioral responses that are influenced by temperament can sometimes be modified by helping your child learn to adapt to new experiences or instances of frustration.

    Social

    • Social influences, such as school and peer-related issues, can also contribute to the behavior patterns of your child. For example, a link between peer rejection in early elementary school and later anti-social behavior and aggression was found by Kenneth Dodge and colleagues in a study published in the "Journal of Child Development." Stress that is due to trying to fit in with peers or struggling with academics can also cause behavioral changes, such as acting out or mood swings.

    Parents and Family

    • Violent behavior in children can be influenced by witnessing violence at home and by issues such as poverty and divorce, says the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Parenting style, the amount of conflict at home and observing the behaviors of other family members can also contribute to behavior. You can help your child learn deal with negative behavioral responses by remaining calm, teaching alternatives to emotional outbursts or bad behavior and listening and responding to problems.

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