Assessment of Temper Tantrums Behavior among Toddler Children

Background: Temper tantrums are attention-seeking behaviors manifested through various actions, including shouting, biting, crying, pushing, hitting, throwing objects, and head-banging. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the frequency, behaviors, and locations of temper tantrums, as well as parents’ strategies to mitigate these tantrums in children aged 12–36 months attending health centers in the southern West Bank of Palestine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 282 parents of children aged 12–36 months to assess temper tantrum behaviors and the strategies employed by parents to address them. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was also conducted to identify predictors of tantrum severity. Results: The findings indicated that 40.4% of children experienced tantrums on a daily basis, primarily through shouting and crying (94.3% and 92.2%, respectively). The most common triggers for tantrums were unmet needs related to the child's requests for items and activities (95%), followed by resistance to starting, stopping, or changing activities (91.5%). The home was identified as the primary location for tantrums (97.2%), with being left alone as the most frequent context (83%). Parents primarily employed strategies such as speaking soothingly to the child (92.9%) and picking the child up (91.5%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that father’s employment increased the risk of moderate tantrums by 4-fold and severe tantrums by 4.5-fold, while higher paternal education reduced tantrum severity. Additionally, maternal education increased the risk of severe tantrums by 2.5-fold, and children with three or more siblings had a 3-fold increase in the likelihood of moderate tantrums. Conclusion: These results highlight significant aspects of temper tantrums, including their frequency, context, behaviors, and triggers. Parental involvement, particularly through soothing communication, is essential for effective intervention and management of tantrums.