RISK FOR ATTRITION IN TREATMENT OF ANTISOCIAL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Examined differences between children and families who completed outpatient treatment and those who terminated prematurely. Children (N = 160, ages 5 to 13) referred to treatment for antisocial behavior and their families participated. Dysfunction in several parent, family, and child domains was predicted to distinguish those who completed treatment from those who terminated prematurely. Premature termination of treatment was greater for younger mothers, single parents, and minority-group families; for families with socioeconomic disadvantage, high stress and more adverse life events, adverse family childrearing practices, and for mothers with a history of antisocial behavior in their childhood. Child characteristics associated with premature termination from treatment included severity, breadth, and history of antisocial behavior; academic and educational dysfunction; current contacts with antisocial peers; and multiple (comorbid) diagnoses. The accumulation of multiple factors placed families at increased risk for dropping out of treatment prematurely. The results suggest that the more dysfunctional children and families may be at greater risk for dropping out of treatment.