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Conduct Problems

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Medical and Mental Health During Childhood

Part of the book series: Springer Series on Child and Family Studies ((SSCFS))

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Abstract

The focus of this chapter is to discuss conduct problems in children. This type of acting out or externalizing disorder may signal long-term problems in child social and emotional functioning. However, these problems are not always related to long-term problems. Research shows that there are environmental determinants of conduct problems that can be changed to improve developmental outcomes for youth. Interventions to improve children’s functioning often include a problem-solving component, social skills training, use of clearly explained reward processes, and structures for consequences for misbehavior. Parents and teachers can play a role in developing very structured guidelines for children. Counselors and health educators can also instruct children on empathy skills, taking responsibility for their behaviors, and trying to gain a better understanding of the perspectives of others. Early interventions may reduce conduct problems in later years.

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Nabors, L. (2016). Conduct Problems. In: Medical and Mental Health During Childhood. Springer Series on Child and Family Studies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31117-3_9

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