The comparison of cognitive distortions and dysfunctional attitudes of normal adolescents and adolescents with conduct disorder

Abstract

Over the past few decades, conduct disorder has increased rapidly. However, few studies have been conducted on the role of interpersonal cognitive distortions and dysfunctional attitudes in this kind of disorder. This is a causal-comparative study. The research statistical population is composed of all the adolescents with conduct disorder living at Esfahan’s Centre for Rehabilitation and Training in 2021. Also, research sample size encompasses a total of 60 adolescents: 30 adolescents with conduct disorder and 30 normal. Two groups were matched regarding the age, sex and educational level. The research tools were three questionnaires on demographic characteristics, interpersonal cognitive distortion and dysfunctional attitude scales. Data were analyzed by Multivariate Regression. According to the research data analysis, there was not a significant difference between two groups with regard to the misconception mean scores in interpersonal relations and interpersonal cognitive distortions. However, mean scores of adolescents suffering from conduct disorder in rejection with interpersonal relations, unrealistic expectations, and dysfunctional attitudes were significant (P<0.05). According to findings of the study, it seems that dysfunctional attitudes and interpersonal cognitive distortions are effective in causing disorders. Thus, by providing grounds for psychological interventions, conduct disorder can be treated with better results.