Emotional Disturbance in Children: An Analysis

Although most of us believe that early childhood is the best and stress free period of life, young children have psychological problems which could lead to depression, sleeping disorders, learning and communication disorders, thus hindering their holistic growth and development. Children’s behavioral and emotional problems have allegedly exploded in the past two decades, (1988-2008) with many more children diagnosed with mental health disorders and a surging population of youth who are medicated. Prior research suggests that lower social class status is a key factor affecting children’s problem behavior. Common psychological problems in children include lying, teasing, bullying, fighting, stealing, aggression, jealousy etc. Children who have the above psychological problems are troubled or troublesome. The behaviors are the maladaptive, deviant and socially unacceptable. Hence, there is great need for everyone dealing with children to have basic knowledge and skills in guidance and counseling of the child and the family. This need of basic knowledge and skills in guidance and counseling would be more appropriate particular for all teachers and social workers.