Perceptions of Family Functioning in Conduct Disordered Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescents with conduct disorder are known to have marked difficulties in their interpersonal relationships. In addition to such problems outside the family context, they usually have histories of family conflict as well. Considering their inability to accept responsibility for their circumstances, research into their perceptions of their family dynamics was deemed valuable. Such findings could provide useful insights for the development of intervention efforts with this group of individuals. A comparative investigation of perceived family functioning was conducted with a group of 25 adolescents diagnosed with conduct disorder and a nonclinical control group. The family variables studied were adaptability (flexibility within the family to change its rules or roles), cohesion (emotional bonding or closeness between family members), and family satisfaction (individual satisfaction with the way in which the family functions with respect to its adaptability and cohesion). The conduct disorder group experienced their families as significantly more rigid and disengaged than the control subjects and also expressed significantly less satisfaction with their family functioning. While these findings may suggest deficiencies in the families of these adolescents they may also be reflective of the negative, blaming behaviour that characterises conduct disorder.