engleski

Some Aspects of the Phenomenology of Risk Behavior at Preschool Age

The theoretical discourse of this paper is the theory of risks for behavioral problems / adverse psychosocial development and the frame of the problem behavior classification. The aim is to theoretically analyze certain aspects of risks for behavioral problems at preschool age, the period of 3–6 years of age, through concept analysis, some known classifications and description of specific behaviors. The objective will be achieved by reviewing available literature and conducted research. According to literature the classification of risk behavior in the preschool period is unique considering the social conditions of its occurrence, and there is a need to develop classification systems specific to this age. The dimensional classification offers a description of risk behaviors manifesting as internalizing behaviors (e.g. fearfulness, despondency, social withdrawal, ) and externalizing behaviors (e.g. aggression, defiance and/or impulsivity). During the preschool years, we can only speak of risk behaviors, not behavioral difficulties or behavioral disorders. In the conclusions the authors emphasize the need for a further systematic analysis of risk behavior in early childhood and at preschool age. Also, it is necessary to develop classifications that take into account the insights of constructivist and social-ecological development paradigm, i.e. the context in which the child grows.

internalizing behavioral problems; classification; early and preschool education; externalizing behavior problems; prevention

"This work has been fully supported by the University of Rijeka under the project number 13.10.2.2.03."