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INTRODUCTION
Conduct problems, aggressiveness, and antisocial behavior constitute between one third to one half of all child and adolescent referrals to psychiatric clinics (Kazdin, 1987). Conduct-disordered youth are likely to drop out of school, be unemployed, and have poor interpersonal relationships. These factors translate into increased financial and social costs to the community (Shamsi, 1990).
In addressing these concerns, various treatments and combinations of treatment have been applied over the last several decades. Studies published over the past thirty-five years can be broken into two periods--those done before and after 1980. Studies done prior to 1980 reported primarily negative results, while some promising and successful approaches have been reported since 1980 (Shamsi & Hluchy, 1991).
It is unfortunate that the long-term effects of these programs as assessed by the rate of recidivsim, remain disappointing (Garrett, 1985; Basta & Davidson, 1988; Whitehead & Lab, 1989).
Blotcky, Demperio, and Gossett (1984) and Pfeiffer and Strzelecki (1990) evaluated criticisms regarding the effectiveness of inpatient psychiatric treatment of children and adolescents. They reviewed all published child inpatient follow-up studies from 1932 to 1987 which included children and adolescents with mixed diagnoses. Both studies reached the conclusion that inpatient treatment is often beneficial. Moreover, they identified a number of factors which indicate favorable prognosis. These include: adequate intelligence, nonpsychotic and nonorganic diagnoses, absence of antisocial features, healthy family functioning, later onset of symptoms, adequate length of stay, specialized treatment programs, and involvement in aftercare (Blotcky et al., 1984; Pfeiffer & Strzelecki, 1990). In 1988 a program designed to deal primarily with conduct-disordered adolescents was implemented at the Nova Scotia Hospital, Princess Alexandra Unit. The program utilizes behavior modification principles whereby positive and punitive consequences are applied to adolescent behavior within the context of a token economy (BMP). Targeted behaviors are assigned point values, and accumulated point totals determine privilege levels for the following day.
The present paper reports the results of an evaluation of the efficacy of this program in reducing the frequency of undesirable behaviors. An attempt has also been made to identify the factors associated with better outcome.
The treatment unit under consideration provides 20 beds for male and female adolescents, ages 12 to 18. Referrals were from children's aid societies, correctional services, hospitals, families, private practitioners, and...