Citation

Becker KB, McCloskey LA. Am. J. Orthopsychiatry 2002; 72(1): 83-91.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, American Orthopsychiatric Association, Publisher Wiley Blackwell)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14964597

Abstract

This study examines the impact of family violence on the development of attention and conduct problems in girls and boys. Mothers (n = 287) were interviewed and given diagnostic assessment instruments to measure attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder in 1 of their children. Six years later, youths were interviewed about their delinquent behavior. Family violence related to attention and conduct problems in girls only. Girls who displayed these problems in childhood were not necessarily at risk for later delinquency. Family violence in childhood had a direct effect on delinquency in girls. Boys who developed attention problems were more likely to show conduct problems that eventually led to adolescent delinquency. Family violence failed to account for problems or delinquency in boys.

Language: en