A new study has found that some common childhood behaviors are linked to anxiety disorders. As parents, we are often told that behavior is communication for a child. When they need something, or when something is bothering them, they will often behave in a way that is not “normal” or typical of them. This is sending a message to a caregiver that they need some help, but they are unsure on how to communicate that need. The topic of child development is constantly being studied, because as the world learns more about how a child grows and displays behaviors, the better we can be at providing for them.
According to Medical Xpress, a study has found that common childhood behaviors may lead a child to develop anxiety disorders later in life. Could these be warning signs for parents and medical professionals? The study was done by the University of Otago, and it can be read in full here.
This new research is helping parents and professionals identify which behaviors stand out when it comes to the development of anxiety disorders later in life. It was also aimed at calming any nerves that parents may have at other behaviors that did not show a link.
To complete the study, researchers used data of over 1,200 children during a four-month period in 1977. This allowed them to follow these children into adulthood. The children exhibited the behaviors flagged between the ages of 7 and 9 years old, and these children are now in their mid-forties. The behaviors that carried the highest risk for developing anxiety disorders later in life were crying easily and often, tending to play or act alone, and regularly appearing miserable. These all carried a higher risk for adult anxiety.
Other behaviors that caused concern in parents but were not tied to anxiety disorders were shyness, fear of authority, and fear of people in general. When it comes to what parents can do with this information, they are being advised to actively develop social skills with their children if they notice that they are exhibiting any of the behavior that is noted. They also noted that it is normal for anyone to display these emotions and behaviors, and it is only cause for concern if they are causing their development to be disrupted or their learning is being stunted. While it is always important to make sure that our children are emotionally well, studies like this are important to help give parents some guidance.
Sources: Medical Xpress, Cambridge