Despite the prevalence of disruptive behavior diagnoses in inner-city children, research findings have consistently shown that African... Show moreDespite the prevalence of disruptive behavior diagnoses in inner-city children, research findings have consistently shown that African-Americans and individuals from inner-city populations tend to utilize mental health services significantly less than other racial and income groups. The primary aim of this study was to identify child, parent, and contextual factors that predicted duration oftreatment in a manualized family therapy intervention for disruptive behavior disorders in children and adolescents. Findings from this study revealed that higher levels of treatment participation were significantly predicted by increased severity of externalizing symptoms and lower levels ofstress present within the home. These fmdings indicate that families whose children have more severe problems are more likely to stay in treatment and that treatment participation may be enhanced by offering case management to families to reduce their levels of stress. M.S. in Psychology, December 2015 Show less
