Factors in the determination of aggression in preschool children with hyperactivity

Although preschoolers with hyperactivity and aggression have salient behavioral and temperamental characteristics when compared to preschoolers with pure hyperactivity, little research has examined the families of these young children. Family characteristics, such as child-rearing practices, may be more amendable to change than child temperament or behavior. This study assessed specific family (i.e., child-rearing practices, maternal depression, marital conflict, and social supports) and child (temperament and behavioral) characteristics. Sixty-eight preschool boys were placed in a hyperactive-aggressive, hyperactive, aggressive, comparison, or nondisordered sibling comparison group based on behavioral ratings. As past research has not investigated siblings of preschoolers with hyperactivity, the small comparison group of male siblings (n $=$ 5) was identified and assessed. Parents were given packets of questionnaires to complete and mothers were interviewed regarding their child's aggression, and the children were administered the Woodcock-Johnson and were observed playing with toys. Data were analyzed for group differences and relationships among measures. Overall, we found that, when compared to preschoolers with pure hyperactivity, preschoolers with hyperactivity and aggression had families with (a) more restrictive fathers, (b) mothers who reported more physical aggression towards her partner and more verbal aggression received from her partner, and (c) siblings who responded aggressively when provoked. Follow-up aggression ratings were predicted by initial child characteristics.