Preschool Aggression Across Cultures: A Clinician-Informed Framework for Diagnosis and Early Intervention

Abstract

Background

: Preschool aggression is a critical public health issue linked to juvenile delinquency, academic failure, and long-term psychopathology. Despite its widespread impact, clinical definitions and intervention strategies remain inconsistent, in Pakistan, cultural norms such as collectivist family structures, acceptance of hierarchical discipline, and the normalization of harsh parenting significantly shape the understanding and response to aggressive behaviors in young children.

Objective

The study captures clinicians' interpretations of preschool aggression, their critiques of existing Western-based models, and their culturally grounded intervention strategies.

Methodology

Using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) within a social constructivist framework, this study analyzed data from 35 senior child psychologists and psychiatrists. Participants were recruited from government hospitals, private clinics, academic institutions, and special education centers in Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews (60–90 min) were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software, following Braun & Clarke's (2019) six-phase framework. Methodological rigor was ensured through member checking, intercoder reliability (κ = 0.82), and cultural validation.

Results

Findings indicate that parenting styles, insecure attachment, and sociocultural stressors shape preschool aggression. Experts identified significant diagnostic inconsistencies, emphasizing the need for culturally adaptive intervention models beyond Western-centric approaches.

Conclusion

Practical recommendations include clinician training modules rooted in cultural responsiveness, parent-centered therapeutic programs, and policy reforms that address the normalization of corporal punishment. While the study offers a meaningful contribution to culturally informed mental health care, limitations include reliance on expert opinion, the qualitative nature of the data, and potential biases in interpretation.