External childcare and socio-behavioral development in Switzerland: Long-term relations from childhood into young adulthood

This study examined early external childcare in relation to development from age 7 to 20. A Swiss sample was used (N = 1,225; 52% male). Development included multi-informant-reported externalizing behavior, internalizing problems, prosocial behavior, delinquency, and substance use. Growth curve models revealed that, dependent on the informant, time in a daycare center was related to increased externalizing and internalizing problems until at least age 11. It was not related to delinquency. Roughly three days per week at a daycare mother or playgroup was related to increased externalizing behavior. External family care was associated with increased prosocial behavior. Finally, time in a daycare center was associated with fewer externalizing but more internalizing problems and substance use for children from vulnerable backgrounds. This relation with substance use lasted to age 20.

Automated summary

This study examined the relationship between early external childcare and development from age 7 to 20. The findings showed that time spent in a daycare center was associated with increased externalizing and internalizing problems, whereas external family care was related to increased prosocial behavior. Additionally, children from vulnerable backgrounds who spent time in a daycare center were more likely to experience decreased externalizing problems but increased internalizing problems and substance use, even until age 20.