Theoretical Perspectives on Identification and Management of Emotional Disturbance among Pre-School Aged Children in Nigeria: Issues for Consideration

The paper assumes that the emotional development of young children is as important as their physical development and that lack of paying attention to the emotional distresses of little children can have grave consequences for society. The paper highlights some of the major theoretical perspectives on emotional development and emotional distress from early childhood, and reviews past and current research on the nature and causes of emotional disturbances of preschool children in view of the role of parents and their style of parenting. Despite the lack of research to address the emotional problems of preschool children in Nigeria, this paper points out probable obstacles to identification and management of emotional problems in preschool children and concludes with suggestions and recommendations that could help solve some of the problems especially at the family and community levels. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2016.v6n2p24