Uppeldi og menntun - 01.01.2000, Qupperneq 96

TÍU ÁRA BÖRN STANDA VEL AÐ VÍGI
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ABSTRACT
A descriptive cross-sectional study included approximately 1850 10 year old
children from six municipalities in the Nordic countries; two from Sweden and one
from each of the other Nordic countries. Children, their parents and class teachers
were informants. 90% or more of the children invited were given their parents
permission to participate. The children's competence was the point of departure
and different risk indicators were studied in relation to the children's social com-
petence. Similar questionnaires were used. The five national studies had the same
design, with room for national in-depth studies according to special areas of in-
terest. Conditions at home and in school were studied. The comparisons showed
clear similarities in levels as well as in patterns of competence. The 10 year old
children enjoyed environments that enhanced their development and they were
mostly resourceful and competent. Results showed no clear signs of socio-economic
inequalities. A gender gap was noted, the girls more often being the competence
winners.
The Icelandic study included questions of children's concerns and problem-
solving. Positive competence patterns, stable self-worth, being socially skilled and
having few behaviour problems were positively related to having few concerns.
Most children reported few worries. Their concerns were more frequently related to
family than school matters. Boys had more concerns than girls and types of worries
were gender-related; the boys being more often worried about family economy and
girls about stress or sickness in the family. The majority of children reported trying
to cope with problems either by trying to solve them or by seeking help from parents.
Guðrún Kristinsdóttir
er dósent við Kennaraháskóla íslands.
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