ABSTRACT
The behavioural and emotional problems discussed in this chapter can form stumbling blocks to the full development of secondary emotions, although it is usual for most children to exhibit them to some degree. Some oppositional behaviour is normal and serves a psychological purpose, but unresolved it becomes a problem that can effect emotional development. Aggression is a natural behaviour that arises from anger, but uncontrolled aggression is the best predictor of future psychological and social difficulties. A modicum of anxiety is also normal, but inconsistent care can result in severe anxiety that can lead to debilitating internal preoccupation of the child. Children can become anxious by copying an anxious model. If parents are anxious, children may learn to be anxious simply by imitative observational learning. Of course this does not invariably happen and the anxious parent can have a calm sensible child.
