Talking Tots and the Terrible Twos: Early Language and Disruptive Behavior in Toddlers

ABSTRACT: Objective: The goal of this article is to investigate the association between the 2 most commonly reported parental concerns about young children—disruptive behavior (e.g., irritable, aggressive, and noncompliant behaviors) and language delay in toddlers. To test for salient subgroup differences, individual differences by the sex of the child and family poverty status were examined. Methods: Participants included 1259 mothers of children between 18 and 36 months of age. Mothers completed questions about their child's language development and disruptive behavior. Information regarding poverty status as well as child age and sex were also collected. Results: Stronger language skills were associated with fewer disruptive behaviors for children between 18 and 36 months of age. This negative association was stronger for females than for males (b = −0.243; t[1251] = −3.555; p
Source: Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics - Category: Child Development Tags: Original Article Source Type: research