The Effects of Cognitive Ability on Emotional and Behavioural Problems Among Preschoolers

유아의 인지능력이 문제행동에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cognitive ability and emotional and behavioural problems in a nonclinical sample of 120 preschool children aged 4-5 years. Cognitive ability scores were derived from the 'McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities', and emotional and behavioural problems were measured using quantitative and dimensional method, 'Child Behavior Checklist'. The results from this study support similar findings among older children and clinical populations that lower McCarthy general, verbal, and perceptual-performance IQ scores are associated with internalizing and externalizing emotional and behavioural problems. On the basis of this study, early identification of intellectual deficits among preschool children may help to prevent later school difficulties and severe psychopathology.