Abstract
In this chapter, the adaptation and behavior problem is explained conceptually, and detailed information is given about causal factors related to biology, family, and school. Particularly in the preschool period, adaptation and behavioral problems such as thumb-sucking, nail-biting, enuresis, encopresis, masturbation, lying, aggression, stubbornness, jealousy, fear, anxiety, stealing, sleep disorders, and eating disorders are explained in this chapter, and precautions to reduce/prevent these problems are mentioned.
TopCauses Of Adaptation And Behavioral Problems
The studies investigating the causes of adaptation and behavioral problems revealed the causes as age, gender, temperament, developmental level, family life, parents' educational levels, changes in the family, school environment and teacher relations etc. (Genç, 2018; Işık, 2018; Ulu, 2018; Özbey, 2015; Aydın, 2008; Weaver, Shaw, Dishion & Wilson, 2008; Fields & Boesser, 2002). They are discussed in three main categories.
Biological Factors
There are biological risk factors for behavioral problems, including the mother’s state of health before pregnancy; surplus weight of the mother; her history with drug abuse; her malnutrition; her age (being very young or old during pregnancy), viral infections; lead and mercury poisoning; baby’s lack of oxygen at birth because of mother’s alcohol and drug abuse; birth by forceps or vacuum extractor; premature birth or low birth weight (Işık, 2018; Ulu, 2018; Drossos, 2004). Also, inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals or excessive consumption of sugar or caffeine can lead to apathy, indifference, social withdrawal and school failure (Kauffman, 2001; Dawkins, Fullilove, & Dawkins, 1995).
Temperament, another biological factor, is the biological behavioral tendency that is innate (Kaner, 2009) and affects the way parents perceive their children correctly. Cheerful, mild-mannered, harmonious children make their parents happy and confident, while angry children who are always whining, in any way dissatisfied, can cause parents to doubt their parenting skills (Genç, 2018; Çetintaş, 2015).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Anxiety: Abnormal and unreasonable extreme fear.
Jealousy: A natural reaction that occurs when a loved one cannot be shared with someone else.
Masturbation: Taking pleasure by stimulating the genitals.
Enuresis: Unintentional or intentional urinary incontinence during day and / or night.
Eating Disorder: Deviations in eating habits that can cause disease or malnutrition.
Aggression: Behavior that is intended to harm others physically or psychologically.
Encopresis: Involuntary defecation even though the child is old enough to hold it.