Abstract
Parent-referred 2- and 3-year-olds and controls, participating in a longitudinal study of hyperactivity and related behavior problems, were observed with their mothers during play at an initial assessment and a 1-year follow-up. Mothers of problem children provided more redirection initially and made more negative control statements at follow-up than mothers of controls; problem youngsters tended to play more aggressively. Sex differences were prominent. Mothers of boys, regardless of referral status, were more directive at the initial assessment;their sons were less cooperative and somewhat more aggressive in their play. Maternal involvement in play decreased over time, possibly as a response to developmental changes in children's play. Group by time interactions indicated that mothers of control children provided fewer negative control statements at follow-up relative to mothers of problem children and to their own levels at the first assessment; mothers of problem youngsters redirected their children less than they had initially. Mothers of boys were also less directive at follow-up relative to their initial levels. Situational and developmental factors are discussed briefly.
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This research was supported by Grant No. MH32735 from the National Institute of Mental Health to the first author. Thanks are due to Deborah Baldwin, Tom Fowler, Yvonne Garvin, Louis Giampolo, Jeff Kachmarek, Jennie Palermo, Susan Riley, Libby Schaughency, Eric Sell, and Russ Walters, for help with data transcription and coding. We are especially grateful to the parents and children who have participated so enthusiastically in this ongoing study.
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Campbell, S.B., Breaux, A.M., Ewing, L.J. et al. Parent-identified problem preschoolers: Mother-child interaction during play at intake and 1-year follow-up. J Abnorm Child Psychol 14, 425–440 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00915436
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00915436