[Mental representation, psychic structure, and behaviour problems in preschool children].

Mental health problems in terms of deviant behaviour and emotional problems are assumed in context with mental representations and indicators of internal psychic structure. In distinction to adults there is little empirical research concerning this matter. On the basis of Childrens' Play Narratives (MacArthur Story Stem Battery) we collected data about content-themes, structural indicators and process criteria of 73 preschool children and implicated these information with behaviour ratings of parents and kindergarden teachers. Many correlations were found particularly with structural indicators, process criteria and behaviour ratings. The results are discussed both with respect to content and methodical aspects.