INEFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE AND CONDUCT PROBLEMS IN MALES - ASSOCIATION, LATE ADOLESCENT OUTCOMES, AND PREVENTION

In the current study social learning theory and findings on the associ ation of ineffective parental discipline and childhood conduct problem s was reviewed. In addition, the association of ineffective discipline in childhood to arrests and academic achievement in adolescence was t ested The reviewed studies were multi-agent, multimethod passive longi tudinal, prevention, and clinical studies conducted at the Oregon Soci al Learning Center (OSLC). Measurement of childhood discipline include d observational data. Analyses predicting to adolescent outcomes were conducted for the Oregon Youth Study sample of approximately 200 males at risk for delinquency. The finding of an association between ineffe ctive discipline and childhood conduct problems was replicated in thre e OSLC sturdies. Ineffective discipline at Grade 4, controlling for Gr ade 4 antisocial behavior, was found to predict to a more serious juve nile arrest record (two or more arrests) and to failure to enter highe r education. Prevention efforts need to be directed toward promoting e ffective discipline skills, especially in parents of young children. E ffective discipline includes such skills as structuring situations, re directing child behavior, encouragement, and also consistent use of a mild to moderate consequence such as time out or privilege loss. (C) 1 997 Elsevier Science Ltd.