ABSTRACT
There are many factors that are associated with behaviour problems. Research findings have now shown that there is not one factor alone, but a dynamic interrelationship of many factors that account for the presence of behaviour problems in children. These factors will be examined at three different levels of functioning (see Figure 5.1) which reflect Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological theory, that is:
i. at micro level which represents the systems within which the child finds her/himself and whose functioning directly affect her/him, that is, the family and the early years setting;
ii. at meso level which represents the interactional process between and within systems and the way this interaction affects children’s behaviour. The interaction between adults and children and family and early years setting will be considered here;
iii. at macro level which represents the broader community and existing services as well as societal values and attitudes.
