The prevention of conduct problems

Abstract

This article summarizes the current knowledge base in the prevention of childhood conduct problems. First, childhood conduct problems and comorbid conditions are described, followed by a review of risk factors that have been found to contribute to the development of conduct problems. Risk factors include both internal child characteristics such as temperament and genetic/neurobiological influences, and external factors such as family, peer, and neighborhood influences. Finally, descriptions are provided for several intervention programs that have demonstrated empirical support in the prevention of youth conduct problems.