Randomized trial of a family-centered approach to the prevention of early conduct problems: 2-year effects of the family check-up in early childhood.
Despite recent research indicating that 1 of the pivotal times for identifying pathways to early conduct problems is the toddler period, few family-based preventive interventions have been specifically designed to modify child disruptive behavior during this age period. This randomized trial tested the effectiveness of the Family Check-Up in sustaining maternal involvement and preventing the exacerbation of child conduct problems among 120 at-risk toddler-age boys, half of whom were randomly assigned to a treatment condition. The intervention was associated with reductions in disruptive behavior and greater maternal involvement and was particularly effective for children at greater risk for a persistent trajectory of conduct problems. The results are discussed in relation to other preventive interventions for young children.
Shaw
Daniel S
DS
Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. casey@pitt.edu
Dishion
Thomas J
TJ
Supplee
Lauren
L
Gardner
Frances
F
Arnds
Karin
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D004493:Education; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012306:Risk; D016896:Treatment Outcome