Peer Relationships of Young Children with Behavior Problems

In this chapter we draw together constructs and research findings from child development which bear on the organization and course of social relations in young ehilren with behavior problems. It is our contention that early identification and intervention are crucial from both clinical and theoretical perspectives and, furthermore, the identification and effective treatment of appropriate target groups requires the integration of developmental and clinical viewpoints. Deviant behavior in young children must be assessed within a developmental framework that considers both the age appropriateness of behavior and age changes in the behavioral manifestations of problems (Campbell, in press). Unfortunately, however, much clinical and research work in child psychopathology lacks a developmental focus. With this in mind, we review pertinent literature on the social development of young children that appears to be relevant to the development of peer relations in hyperactive children. Our literature review is necessarily selective, not exhaustive. We then present data from an ongoing early identification, intervention, and follow-up study which suggests that symptoms of hyperactivity and related behavior problems are apparent in very young children and interfere with functioning in a range of social and nonsocial situations.