Risk and protective factors of most frequent types of behavioral disorders in elementary school students

Abstract

Modern discussions related to education are extremely focused on prevention of behavioral disorder development, which, unfortunately, occur more often. Teachers are faced with increase of violence, indiscipline in class, poor motivation, large number of absences, withdrawal, depression and isolation of certain students. Things that cause behavioral disorders are interlinked and in continuous interactive relation. Although they are not caused by one single event or just one determinative factor, positive experience of school should be treated as a possible preventive factor. Different behavioral disorders in elementary school children, whether they are in active or passive forms, are indicators that demand more attention from teachers, parents, associates and all social factors, and particularly their frequent cooperation. It is important to mention that there are some differences in terminology related to defining behavioral disorders, because that term encompasses different occurrences that are beyond generally accepted behavioral norms characteristic of certain environment or particular age, they have several manifestations, different intensity, duration, complexness and harmfulness. The paper provides a preview of defining the term behavioral disorder through research analyses of different authors. The author also elaborates risk and protective factors.