Latent profiles of hyperactivity-related behaviors and differences in family influence pathways among preschool children from father-absent families

LIU Yuxuan; TONG Haihui; LI Yangli; WANG Cong; LEI Lei

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-1105

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (6) : 625-629. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-1105

Special Column on Attention-Dificit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Latent profiles of hyperactivity-related behaviors and differences in family influence pathways among preschool children from father-absent families

LIU Yuxuan¹, TONG Haihui¹, LI Yangli², WANG Cong¹, LEI Lei¹

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Abstract

Objective To identify latent subtypes of hyperactivity-related behaviors among preschool children from father-absent families, and to analyze the differences in the chain mediation pathway of "father companionship time → family atmosphere → anxiety → hyperactivity index" across behavioral subtypes, so as to provide evidence for developing targeted intervention strategies. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to September 2025, involving 1 514 children aged 3 - 6 years from father-absent families. Hyperactivity-related behaviors were assessed using the Chinese version of the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire, and a hyperactivity index >1.5 was used to define screening positivity. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed among hyperactivity-positive children based on Conners factor scores to identify behavioral subtypes, and multi-group structural equation modeling was applied to examine the profile-specific chain mediation effects. Results The positivity rate of the hyperactivity index was 14.5%. Five behavioral subtypes were identified among hyperactivity-positive children: high impulsivity-hyperactivity dominant (14.6%), conduct problems-learning difficulties (14.6%), widespread problems-psychosomatic symptoms (32.4%), Anxiety-learning problems (13.3%), and typical hyperactivity-low anxiety (25.1%). The overall chain-mediated effect was not significant (β=0.004, P=0.193). However, multi-group analysis suggested subtype-specific differences: anxiety significantly predicted the hyperactivity index in the widespread problems-psychosomatic symptoms subtype (β=0.280, P<0.001), whereas family atmosphere significantly predicted the hyperactivity index in the anxiety-learning problems subtype (β=0.084, P=0.013). The model demonstrated good stability. Conclusions The vast majority of preschool children from father-absent families develop well behaviorally.Among those screening positive, hyperactive behaviors exhibit significant heterogeneity. Although the chain-mediated pathway of father involvement-family climate-anxiety-hyperactivity index is not significant in the overall sample, the specific pathways varies across behavioral subtypes, highlighting the need for subtype-specific interventions.

Key words

father absence / preschool children / hyperactive behaviors / latent profile analysis / chain mediation effect / attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

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LIU Yuxuan, TONG Haihui, LI Yangli, WANG Cong, LEI Lei. Latent profiles of hyperactivity-related behaviors and differences in family influence pathways among preschool children from father-absent families[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(6): 625-629 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-1105

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