Externalizing Conditions

Abstract

Reviews the research and clinical literature describing the characteristics, assessment, and intervention for two subsets of externalizing behavior problems, aggressive and oppositional behaviors and attention-deficit and hyperactive behaviors in children. A behavioral model of childhood aggression is proposed in which complex bidirectional biological and family factors are antecedents to aggression in children and distortions and deficiencies in social cognitive processes serve a stabilizing role. Finally attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized as a heterogeneous disorder involving developmentally inappropriate differences in attention, impulsivity, and overactivity. Multimodal, multisource assessment strategies are recommended, and pharmacological, behavioral, and cognitive-behavioral strategies discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)