Correlation study on behavioral problems and self-concept of children with oppositional defiant disorder.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the behavioral problems and self-concept of children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and the correlation between them.

METHODS

The subjects came from a sample survey of primary and middle school students' mental status in 6 regions in Hunan province. Achenbach child behavior checklist (CBCL) was filled out by parents. The Children's self-concept scale (CSCS) was completed by children themselves.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the scores of ODD group and the normal control among all CBCL subscales except the activities scale, and the scores for the CSCS scales were all lower in patients with ODD than the control group except for the physical appearance and attributes (P<0.01). In addition, according to correlation analysis, the CBCL scores yielded small but significant correlations with the CSCS scores for children with ODD(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Children with ODD have generally behavioral problems, poor social competence, and lower self-concept, whose behaviors were correlated with their self-concept.