Predictors of physical and verbal aggression in preschoolers

Background: childhood aggression, particularly in preschoolers, is one of the most common behavioral problems throughout the world. Therefore, it is important to identify the predictors of this problem. This study was conducted to determine the predictors of physical and verbal aggression in preschoolers. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on preschoolers in Rasht in 2013. Study samples included 614, 5 to 7 year-old children who were selected by two –stage cluster sampling of preschool centers under the supervision of Education and Welfare organization of Rasht. Data collection tool included two questionnaires. The scale aggression in preschool children was used to measure the aggression and the questionnaire consisted of 3 parts (individual, familial, social and economic) was used to examine the factors related to the aggression. Then the data was analyzed by PSS software version 21, using descriptive and analytical statics. Results: The average score of verbal and physical aggression and also individual, familial and socioeconomic factors related to them were calculated. (p<0.05) Multiple linear aggression model results showed that individual and familial factors- including the type of preschool center (public or private), father`s level of education, parents arguing in the presence of their children and corporal punishments by parents- were the main predictors of the aggression. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, it seems that individual and familial factors are the main predictors of physical and verbal aggression in children. Therefore, the special attention must be paid to these two factors for preventing.