Study explains science behind 'the terrible twos'

21 Feb 2008

Children begin to demonstrate goal-orientated behaviour in response to expected outcomes from the age of three, new research suggests.

A study conducted at the University of Cambridge found that children aged 32 months and older act in relation to the values they place on the anticipated outcomes of their behaviour, showing the beginnings of the child developing behavioural autonomy.

The findings showed that by the age of three toddlers are able to pursue specific, more abstract goals outside of what they can directly sense.

According to the authors, "the period between two and three years of age brings about a transition in behavioral control from stimulus-outcome learning to fully intentional goal-directed action".

By internalising their control over certain events, toddlers can "act in ways that will help them reach the goals they value most".

Previous studies have also revealed that goal-orientated, intentional behaviour tends to develop in children between the age of two and three, explaining the significance of the 'terrible twos'.

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