Children's Environment and Behavior: Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Children

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Several family and neighborhood characteristics are associated with the development of behavioral and emotional problems in children. For example, studies have linked greater parental depression and stress with emotional and behavioral problems. Further, living in a neighborhood with more low-income residents is associated with a higher incidence of behavioral problems such as destroying property or feeling worthless.

If welfare reform results in low-income families living in improved communities and reduces parental stress and depression, behavioral and emotional problems in children may decline. However, if long or erratic hours of work reduce parental supervision and control or increase parental aggravation and stress, then children's problems may increase.

Parents were asked about the extent to which their children exhibited signs of external distress (not getting along with other kids, acting too young for their age, or lying and cheating) and internal distress (sadness, depression, or feelings of worthlessness) in the last month. A measure of behavioral and emotional problems was derived from their responses.

Nationally, 7 percent of children age 6 to 11 exhibited high levels of behavioral and emotional problems. That figure rose to 10 percent in families with low incomes (below 200 percent of the poverty level). It dropped to 4 percent in families with higher incomes, a statistically significant difference.

Nationally, 9 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds showed high levels of behavioral and emotional problems. Adolescents in low-income families were three times as likely to be troubled as adolescents in higher-income families—15 percent versus 5 percent, a statistically significant difference.

In the 13 states surveyed, 6 percent to 9 percent of all younger children and 6 percent to 12 percent of all older children had high levels of behavioral and emotional problems. None of the states had percentages above or below the national average in either age group.

In low-income families, the percentage of children age 6 to 11 with high levels of behavioral and emotional problems ranged from 7 percent to 13 percent. None of these percentages was above or below the national average. Among adolescents in low-income families, high levels of behavioral and emotional problems ranged from 10 percent to 18 percent. None of the states surveyed had percentages above the national average, but three states had percentages below it: Colorado, Florida, and New York.

Note: The Portable Document Format (PDF) of this report includes all tables and charts.

The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders.

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