Youths with disruptive behavior and callous-unemotional traits need a broad range of treatments, study shows
Children and teens with disruptive behavior problems present major challenges to the people in their environment. But when parents seek mental health treatment for symptoms including aggression, defiance and serious rule-breaking, clinicians and researchers may not agree on the best approaches to take.
A new study published in BMC Psychology highlights the need for a diverse range of treatments for children and teens with disruptive behavior issues and callous-unemotional (CU) traits. Researchers from Concordia University consulted parents, clinicians, and researchers to identify and prioritize treatment targets. They found 26 high-priority targets for children aged 3-12 and 30 for adolescents aged 13-18.
For younger children, the focus was on the home environment, including inconsistent parenting, low parental involvement, and negative beliefs about the child. Emotional skills and school/ environmental factors were also prioritized. For adolescents, family and parenting factors remained important, but peer-related, emotional, and cognitive factors, such as empathy, emotion processing, moral reasoning, and motivation to change, were also emphasized.
The study underscores that treatments should not only aim to reduce disruptive behavior but also address emotional, cognitive, and relationship stresses associated with CU traits, particularly in adolescents. While existing treatments can be effective, the research suggests that more comprehensive approaches are needed to improve outcomes for these young people, who are not predetermined to have these traits.
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