Upon skimming the Psychology 300W courseware book, I located an article written by Marlene Moretti entitled Serious conduct

t problems among girls at risk: Translating research into intervention. This topic was not to be discussed in lecture until Week 12; however, I was interested to read the article anyways. What enticed me to this article however, was not the topic of interest but my background knowledge of Dr. Moretti. She instructed Psychology 241 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology and I specifically remember thoroughly enjoying the course content and her lecturing style. I appreciated her ability to communicate information in a clear and concise manner. Consequently, I was drawn to her research article. Dr. Moretti investigated conduct problems amongst adolescent girls and the developmental pathways that give way to behavioral problems. According to her research, exposure to adversity and violence in childhood places girls at great risk for aggression and violence (Moretti, 2011). Persistent exposure to trauma disrupts essential interpersonal and self-regulatory developmental processes, which result in serious behavioral problems (Moretti, 2011). Specifically, she stressed the importance of healthy child-parent relationships, as these preliminary social relationships serve as a foundation for future relationships with others. The article reflects theories of social development, which emphasize social interaction as a fundamental process of cognitive development. I personally believe that sociocultural factors play a prominent role in human development, maybe even more so than genetic predispositions (my postulation). Parents and caregivers have an ever so strong impact on their children. I witness the connection between children and their caregivers frequently, as I have worked as a nanny for many years. Observing such interactions has led me to support equivalent theories that Dr. Moretti made evident in her article.

Reflecting on Dr. Morettis work, I was intrigued to start a search on PsycInfo to locate information about attachment theory in relation to conduct disorder (CD) in adolescence. I have extensive knowledge of Bowlbys attachment theory, and I would like to utilize it as a basis for my article. Furthermore, I recognize that Bowlbys theory is well supported by the academic field, which is helpful if I am utilizing the theory for my paper. Attachment theory describes the quality of attachment a child seeks and receives from a caregiver. The attachment becomes structuralized as an internal working model for the child, which they employ as representations for the relationships with others, and the external world (Bowlby, 1980). Therefore, I believe it is reasonable to assume causation between insecure attachment patterns and adolescent conduct disorder. I started searching for articles I have chosen four articles including Adolescent Attachment and Psychopathology by Diana Rosenstein. Her research discusses the relationship between attachment in the development of adolescent psychopathology. Affect regulation and family interaction patterns were mentioned as prominent causal theories, which I will certainly utilized in my paper. However, the article does not do much justice in supporting attachment relating to CD in particular; it refers to psychiatric disorders in general. I can see the immense effects of multi-finality in adolescent psychiatric disorders creeping into my awareness. Is it too safe of me to assume that insecure attachments share a causal relationship with CD? The second article is called, Attachment and Affect Regulation: A Framework for Family Treatment of Conduct Disorder by Margaret Keily. This article will do wonders in supporting my thesis. Similar to the first article, it confers the role of affect regulation in relation to insecure attachments. Insecure attachments give rise to behavioral problems in middle childhood, and if such behavioral issues persist, progression into a diagnosis of CD is probable. In addition, the elements of family dynamics are

further discussed, as well as intervention protocol. This research article will most likely serve as a big contender in supporting my preliminary thesis. The third article is called, Attachment Relationships among Children with Aggressive Behavior Problems: The role of Disorganized Early Attachment Patterns by Karlen Lyons-Ruth. I really like this article because it examines types of insecure attachments that can be found in children who later develop CD such as avoidant attachment patterns. Another interesting model I came across in this research was Patterson and Banks model of early starters. In provides a clear three step process in the evolution of aggressive behavior problems: poor parental discipline results in escalation of child aggressive behavior, and in turn, increases involvement in delinquent acts as school, with the support of deviant peer groups (Lyons-Ruth, 1996). Although this article doesnt support CD exclusively, I can still efficiently use it in support of my thesis. The last article entitled, Links between Childrens Attachment Behavior at Early School-Age, Their Attachment-Related Representations, and Behavior Problems in Middle Childhood, provides a study that examines associations between childrens attachment behavior at early school-age and behavioral problems assessed in middle childhood. Childrens attachment patterns with mother were assessed at age 6, and two years later, levels of behavioral problems were evaluated. I appreciate this article because the study illustrates the progression of early behavioral problems. Again, similar to the other articles, CD isnt specifically identified. After reading the fourth article, I noted that I need to further research the relationship between Oppositional Deviant Disorder (ODD) and CD. I need to comprehend the overlap of the two disorders in order to properly aid my research. Is prognosis the same for ODD and CD? Is CD a worse form of ODD? I will address these issues further into my research .

Family dynamics seems to be an immense factor in the development of CD. I located a short article discussing parenting programs for conduct disorder. Programs for children based on attachment theory are illustrated. I presume these types of program are used for prevention rather than treatment. I can use this article in my studies to suggest interventions and treatment for CD. After completing this assignment, I am confident in formulating a thesis. My thesis statement is that insecure attachments share a causal relationship with conduct disorder. I have provided various articles that will sufficiently support my thesis.

References Lyons-Ruth, K. (1996). Attachment relationships among children with aggressive behavior problems: the role of disorganized early attachment patterns. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(1) 6473. Keiley, M. (2002). Attachment and affect regulation: a framework for family treatment of conduct disorder. Family Process, 41(3), 477-490. Ellen, M., Bureau, J. F., Beliveau, M. J., Zdebik, M., Lepine, S. (2009). Links between childrens attachment behavior at early school-age, their attachment-related representations, and behavior problems in middle childhood. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 33(2), 155-166. Rosenstein, D. Adolescent attachment and psychopathology. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(2), 244-253. Scott, S. (2008). Parenting programmes for attachment and conduct problems. Psychiatric, 7(9), 367369.