n to behavioral problems and competencies in elementary school children.á The authors stated that the link between delinquency and IQ and reading ability has been hypothesized and received support. Smart, Sanson, and Priorá(1996) reported earlier on the connection between reading disability and behavior problems found in a sample of 1,205 children. Nigg, et al. stated that the executive functions are also found to be linked to externalizing behavioral problems independent of IQ. For this study 235 children in regular education were selected and assessed at three time periods each one year apart. Findings showed that inhibitory control and verbal fluency affected behavioral outcomes; IQ, reading, and visual spatial ability had no statistically significant effects. Thus the study provided support for a causal effect of certain neuropsychological skills on later behavioral adjustment.
Additional Factors Linked to Problem Behaviors
Battistich and Homá(1997) reported on the relationship between students' sense of their school as a community and their involvement in problem behaviors. The authors noted that school is considered a functional community characterized by caring and supportive interpersonal relationships, shared norms and goals, and opportunities to participate in activities and decision-making. Previous studies have demonstrated that students who perceive their school as a community tend to enjoy school more. These students are absent less, are more motivated and have higher achievement, and are involved in less disruptive behavior. Strong bonding to the school results in positive behaviors and weak bonds are a cause of delinquent behavior.
Battistich and Homá(1997) studied 1434 fifth and sixth grade students from 24 elementary schools in six districts across the United States. A longitudinal investigation included data at baseline and later findings related to antecedents and effects of a "schools as co...