Efficacy of the Social Information Processing Model in Predicting Behavioral Disorders

Background: The social information processing model is one of the most up-to-date cognitive models in the field of interpersonal interactions. This social-interaction-based model can be successfully used to investigate the reasons for emotional and behavioral problems and prevent them in children and adolescents. Objectives: The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of the social information processing model in predicting behavioral disorders in children. Materials and Methods: The present study used a descriptive correlational regression analysis. The study sample comprised 100 primary school students selected from different districts in Isfahan, Iran (2015-2016), using random multistage cluster sampling. Data collection tools included the Achenbach child behavior checklist and social stories by Bryan and Turcasia. The stepwise multivariate regression was used to analyze the data. SPSS software version 18 was also used for statistical analysis of the study. Results: The results indicated that the social information processing model can significantly predict behavioral disorders (p≤0.0001). In other words, behavioral disorders were more prevalent in the students with lower social information scores. Conclusion: The social information processing model was found to predict child behavioral disorders.