Treating conduct disorder in children: An intervention for parents with an emphasis on attachment theory

Attachment theory is founded upon the idea that when children view their attachment figures as available and responsive, they feel secure. Conversely, threats to the availability and responsiveness of an attachment figure can result in insecure attachment relationships and risk for dysfunctional emotional reactions and behavior. Recent research established an association between parental unresolved loss or trauma, childhood insecure disorganized attachment with a caregiver, and child disruptive behavior. The research asserts that children respond to the fear and inconsistency of an attachment figure who is "unresolved" with respect to their own loss or trauma. Based on these findings, this dissertation proposes a 12-session psycho-educational approach to the treatment of conduct disorder in children.; The goal of this program is based on the belief that early interventions in the mother-child relationship that are aimed at improving awareness and sensitivity to their child's needs and fears will improve parent-child attachment security and consequently improve childhood disruptive behavior. Progress toward this goal will be measured at the conclusion of the treatment program via a parent program evaluation, and a 6-month reassessment of the parent and child.; To be eligible for the intervention, children must meet criteria for conduct disorder on the Conduct Disorder Checklist and disorganized attachment in Ainsworth et al.'s (1978) Strange Situation. Additionally, parents must be classified as "unresolved" on Main et al.'s (1985) Adult Attachment Interview.; A review of literature briefly examines the history of conduct disorder, attachment theory, and the relationship between the two, indicating that children with disorganized attachment to their caregiver are at a greater risk for developing conduct problems. Literature on common interventions aimed at treating conduct disorder was also surveyed. A number of themes were derived from the literature in preparation for developing this program, and a series of activities was created using each theme as a guide toward the overall goals of the program. The intervention is informed by the aspects of the parent's internal world and the child's disorganized attachment behaviors that are relevant to treating conduct disordered behavior. Helping the parent understand their internal world and consequent maladaptive behavior and communication with their child is a key component of the treatment program as it will prove useful in understanding the origins of child behavior problems.