Children's moods, fears, and worries: Development of an early childhood parent questionnaire

Abstract

Internalizing disorders are a public health issue affecting up to 20% of school-age children, yet few receive assistance. Internalizing difficulties can emerge in the preschool years, with stability from this time on-ward.To inform prevention programs, knowledge is needed about early internalizing indicators in community samples.This study describes initial development of the Children's Moods, Fears, and Worries Questionnaire, a parent report measure for toddler and preschool internalizing difficulties. Potential internalizing indicators were identified via literature review and pilot testing.These indicators were empirically examined with I 12 parents of 2-year-old children drawn from the c..