Conduct Disordered Children: Familial Characteristics and Family Interventions

Abstract

Conduct disordered behaviors in children and youth are associated with dysfunctional family environments. This article provides a review of the familial characteristics associated with conduct disordered youth and their parents. Family treatment strategies found effective with this population are identified including variations of parent training, problem-solving communication training, reciprocity training, and a multisystemic treatment approach. A list of intervention resources is provided for interested professionals. C onduct disordered children and youth comprise the largest group of emotionally disturbed youth, both treated and untreated (Offord, 1984). In fact, these children are the most frequent referrals to mental health centers, constituting from one third to three fourths of all child referrals (Wells & Forehand, 1985). Conduct disordered behaviors, which have been characterized as antisocial and socially aggressive behaviors, appear to be developed and maintained within the family environment (Patterson, 1982). Furthermore, these behavior patterns, which may be present as early as 3 years of age, tend to remain stable and to be a strong predictor of antisocial behavior in adolescence and in adulthood (Lefkowitz, Eron, Walder, & Huesmann, 1977). Given the prevalence of conduct disordered behaviors, the embeddedness of these behaviors in the family environment (Patterson, 1982), and the potentially detrimental impact this behavior may have on the community (Henggeler et al., 1986), it is important to examine the relevant family characteristics of families with conduct disordered children and youth and to explore treatment strategies that may improve family interactional patterns associated with antisocial behavior. The purposes of this article are to provide a review of the salient characteristics of families with conduct disordered youngsters, to identify family treatment strategies found to be effective with this population, and to provide a list of resources oriented toward intervention with conduct disordered youth and their families.