Factors Impacting the Child with Behavioral Inhibition

Various factors influence the developmental course of the behaviorally inhibited child. These factors include reciprocating, contextual factors, such as the child's own traits, the environment, the maternal characteristics, and the environment. Behaviorally inhibited children show physiological and behavioral signs of fear and anxiety when introduced to unfamiliar persons and situations. Their own behavior seems to elicit negative reactions from others. They often go on to develop internalizing problems, such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Mothers of behaviorally inhibited children typically exhibit anxious, overprotective and critical child rearing. They often have histories of depression, anxiety and insecure attachment relationships. These maternal characteristics exacerbate the child's negativity, anxiety, and sense of powerlessness over his own environment. Environmental stressors, including an absence of social support and poverty can affect the child directly and/or indirectly. This paper discusses the variables that impact the behaviorally inhibited child and provides some suggestions for remediation.