Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Primary School Children With and Without Learning Disabilities: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the behavioral and emotional problems of children with and without learning disabilities. The study  sample consisted of 15 teachers and 424 primary school children  with and without  learning disabilities were selected from two governmental primary  schools at Beni-Suef City, using case –control research design. Data were collected by the teachers using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for children and adolescents aged 4-16 years. The results conducted that the  prevalence of total difficulties scores among primary school children with learning disabilities was 98.1% abnormal difficulties compared to 79.7% of normal children. Results also found that statistical significant differences were found between children with and without learning disability in all sub domains of emotional and behavioral disorders. This study documents that the high prevalence of difficulties among primary school children is an alarming condition that needs attention and early intervention. The study recommended that a periodic screening test should be provided  for early detection of emotional and behavioral problems for children with learning disabilities.         

Key words: Primary school children, learning disabilities,  emotional and behavioral problems