ABSTRACT

Emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) is a blanket term which includes a very wide range of conditions – perhaps the only characteristic these have in common is that the children experiencing them are both troubled and troubling to those who come into contact with them. The emotional difficulties which lead to interpersonal and social problems range from ‘internalising’ behaviour, e.g. withdrawal/shyness, depression, extreme anxiety and compulsions, to ‘acting out’ behaviours (sometimes called conduct disorders), e.g. extreme aggression (to people or property), anti-social behaviour, bullying and defiance. If a child receives inadequate emotional nurturing from the parents or carers, particularly at an early age, then the likelihood of emotional and behavioural difficulties is high. Physical and sexual abuse also increase the likelihood of emotional and behavioural difficulties. Learning difficulties can also cause emotional problems for children. A sensitive educational environment and a curriculum at the right level are necessary.