Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the problem behaviors perceived by mothers of pre-school age children.

Methods: The participants were 211 mothers living in 3 cities in Korea. The data were collected from May to June 2009 using a self-reported questionnaire including demographic data, child rearing-attitude, and K-CBCL 1.5-5. The data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 12.0 version.

Results: Factors related to the mothers’ perception on problem behaviors of their preschool child were; first born child, economic status, rearing attitude, and occupational status of mother.

Conclusion: According to the result of this study, mothers reporting lower economic status perceived their children with more behavioral problems. Also, compared to the second or only child, the first born children were perceived to have more problems. Further study is needed to understand the mother and child interaction among these groups to implement appropriate parent education and counseling.