Family and Behavioural Problems of Unwanted Children

Being unwanted child can impact child normal development due to the social, economic, and cultural corditi-ons. These children are more probably at risk of neglect, abuse, and misbeha-vior. On the other hand, an unwanted child can be a source of challenge for parents which may disturb the family atmosphere and in turn affect them. 428 children were selected through cluster random sampling from elementary schools in Tehran. They were divided into subgroups; wanted and unwanted according to mothers’ report. A demographic questionnaire, Family Assessment Device (FAD), an-d Conners inventory Parent Form were completed. Scores of behavior problems and family functioning were compared in subgroups using T- test. higher scores in behavior problems and lower family functioni-ng were related significantly to unwa-ntedness of children. The-se findings support some previous studies. It seems that providing child birth control education and behavior treatment and social problem solving would be very helpful. In addition, parent training focusing on prevention of mistimed contraception would reduce relevant problems associated with unwanted child birth.