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U.S., Great Britain Share Risk Factors For Child Behavior Problems

Researchers found that stronger home environments decrease the likelihood of behavior problems in both countries.

New research from NC State University shows that the United States and Great Britain share common risk factors that increase the likelihood of behavioral problems in children – and that Britain’s broader social welfare programs don’t appear to mitigate those risks.

Professor of sociology Toby Parcel was the lead author of a paper describing the work. In both societies, Parcel and her fellow researchers found that male children, children with health problems and children with divorced mothers were more likely to have behavioral problems.

“We also found that stronger home environments – those that are intellectually stimulating, nurturing and physically safe – decrease the likelihood of behavior problems in both countries,” says Parcel.

Read the full news release on NC State’s news site.