Learning Difficulties and Behavioral Problems in Elementary School

Abstract

The relationships between behavioral problems and learning difficulties are still unclear in the literature. These variables represent, however, important risk factors for school and professional failures and for the development and social adaptation. This research aimed to investigate the relationships between behavioral problems and learning difficulties in the students in a public elementary school. These variables were also analyzed in relation to the school grade and gender of the students. The research followed a descriptive cross-sectional design. The sample comprised 310 students from 1^st to 5^th grade. The instruments used in data collection were the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, answered by the parents, and a questionnaire to identify the students school performance, answered by the teachers. The results indicated 12% of behavioral problems and 15% of learning difficulties in the studied sample. Moderate highly significative negative correlations were obtained between school performance; the subscales hyperactivity, conduct problems and peer relationship problems; and the total questionnaire score . Marginally significant values were found for the association between gender and Hyperactivity, indicating a greater tendency for hyperactive behavior in boys. Emotional symptoms were marginally more frequent in 1^st grade students. On the other hand, 2^nd grade students had a higher frequency of learning difficulties. We concluded that the two first years of elementary school can be considered a critical phase of the school trajectory and it needs preventive interventions focused on behavioral and learning problems.

Keywords:
Learning difficulties; Behavioral problems; Cross-sectional study; Elementary school