Behavior problems and identification of mental states in preschoolers

Aim of the study is to present a method to map the ability of children to identify emotions and intentions in emotionally relevant situations (intentional and emotional reflectiveness). Moreover we analyze interrelation between this ability and behavior problems. Therefore we administered Story Stem Interviews with 70 children and added demand questions focusing emotions and intentions of diverse characters within the child constructed stories. All the given answers we displayed on a six-ary scale. To review the clinical relevance we correlated this measure with questionnaire-based behavior screenings by educators in kindergarten. We found correlations between behavior problems and especially answers to emotion questions (emotional reflectiveness). We regard this as evidence that the ability to identify emotions and intentions in others has an important protective function even in childhood.