This research investigated the socio-demographic characteristics of the frequency of behavior problems and its relation to social skills and academic competence, in a sample of 257 elementary school students from the 1st to 4th grades, in a medium size city of Minas Gerais, Brazil, using the Social Skills Rating System Scale (SSRS). Participated in the research 185 parents and 12 teachers of these students. Results showed that 6,65% of the students had a high frequency of behavior problems and 9,37% had a moderate frequency, according to teachers classification. The frequency of behavior problems was higher in boys than in girls, in children with poorer level of academic competence and from lower social economic level. Behavior problems were less frequent in children having more adequate level of social skills. These results confirm data from the research literature and point to the need for developing interventions in elementary school to prevent future anti-social behaviors.
behavior problems; social skills; academic performance; children; elementary school
