Treating Conduct Disorder Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anger and Aggression in Children: A Case Study of a Male Juvenile Offender
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Author
Harris, Jacie
Publisher
Washburn University
Sponsor
Department of Psychology
Issue Date
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Alternative Title
Abstract
Conduct Disorder (CD) is often diagnosed in over half of males who are in correctional
facilities (Teplin, Abraham, McClelland, Dulcan, & Merical, 2002). Furthermore, CD has been
found to increase rates of recidivism when left untreated (Underwood & Washington, 2016).
However, empirically supported treatments for CD support the use of systemic therapies, which
are not available in correctional facilities (Henggeler & Sheidow, 2012 & Mental Health
Division, 2006). Due to this, anger and aggression have been identified as being important
influential factors in learning how to effectively manage the symptoms of CD (Henwood et al.,
2015 & Barkley, 2013). The present study used the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anger
and Aggression in Children (CBT-AAC) treatment manual with a 15-year old African
American male who was incarcerated in a juvenile correctional facility (Sukhodolsky &
Scahill, 2012). Results indicated his levels of anger and aggression had decreased, after
completing all ten weekly sessions, as he was receiving less Disciplinary Reports (DR) and
Verbal Reprimands (VR). The present study did have some limitations, including: the
offender’s involvement in an anger management group during treatment and his opposition
when completing the assessments. A discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the present
case study are also provided.
Description
An Empirically Supported Treatment Case Study