Behavioral family therapy with conduct disorders in children

Abstract

Child behavior therapy has developed primarily within a parent consultation framework (i.e., parent training), especially with “conduct disorder” problems in children. Recent critiques within the field of behavior therapy as well as an increasing amount of data suggest the need to expand the current paradigm in child behavior therapy. The present article reviews data concerning the impact of various family variables on the conceptualization and treatment of child behavior problems, specifically conduct disorder problems. The authors recommend expansion of the current child behavior therapy model to a “behavioral family therapy” model.