A Study of Behavioral Disorders among Rural and Urban Children
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Date
2021-08
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CCSHAU, Hisar
Abstract
This research examines prevalence of behavioral disorders among rural and urban children.
The study was conducted in Fatehabad and Hisar district of Haryana state. From each district urban
sample was taken from the city area i.e. Fatehabad and Hisar city and rural sample was taken from the
randomly selected villages namely Shekhupur Daroli and Arya Nagar. Two Govt. Senior Secondary
Schools i.e. one from rural and one from urban area were purposively selected from each district. Study
was conducted on 11-17 year age group children. A sample of 60 children (30 boys and 30 girls) was
selected from each school and mother of selected children were also included in the study. The final
sample included 480 respondents (240 children and 240 mothers). The instrument used for data
collection were Goodman’s Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (2000), Rigby and Slee’ Peer
Relationship Questionnaire (1994) and Shah’s Family Climate Scale (2006). Independent sample Z –
test, correlation, percentages and frequencies were used to evaluate the data. Results revealed that as
perceived by children and their mother majority of urban and rural children were normal having no
emotional problem, conduct problem, hyperactivity problem and peer problem. Study shows high
prevalence of behavioral disorders in children in urban setting than rural site. The prevalence of
behavioral disorders was more among male children than female children. Maximum children had
average level of family environment and peer relationship. Maximum number of children had moderate
level bullying, low level of victimization and pro-social behavior to a high level regarding peer
relationship status from rural and urban area. As per children response the area of residence, father
occupation and age of children was positively associated with behavioral disorders of the study subject.
While According to mother’s response behavioral disorders of children were positively associated with
educational status, number of siblings and age of children. The behavioral problems of children are
influenced not only by socio-demographic factors but also by the family environment and peer
relationship factors. The discussion focuses on the importance of healthy peer relationships and family
environment as an influential predictor of behaviour of children.