THE INFLUENCE OF FAMILY TYPE ON CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOUR AND DEVELOPMENT AT FIVE YEARS

Abstract

Development and behavior at 5 yr were assessed in children from a national cohort; comparisons were drawn between those living in 1-parent families, in step-parent families and with both natural parents. On average, children from 1-parent families scored worst and children from 2-parent families best on tests of behavior, vocabulary and visuomotor co-ordination. The differences remained significant after allowing for associated influences.The behavior of children from 1-parent families and step-parent families was perceived on average as more ''anti-social'' than that of children from 2-parent families. Children in 1-parent families were seen on average as marginally more ''neurotic'' than children in 2-parent families.