Final answer:
Children who develop conduct disorder tend to have been neglected or abused, as reported by their parents. Neglect and abuse can contribute to conduct disorder by depriving children of necessary care and support.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children who develop conduct disorder tend to have been neglected by age five, at least as reported by their parents (George and Lee 1997). Neglect can occur in various forms, including emotional neglect, physical neglect, and educational neglect. Neglected children may not receive the necessary attention, care, and guidance from their parents, which can contribute to the development of conduct disorder.
Research has shown that children with disorganized attachment, often seen in kids who have been abused, are more likely to exhibit odd behavior and have difficulty regulating their emotions. This suggests a connection between abuse and conduct disorder (Main & Solomon, 1990). Additionally, child abuse, which occurs across all socioeconomic and ethnic groups, has been linked to an increased risk of conduct disorder (Samuels, 2011).
In summary, neglect and abuse are factors that can contribute to the development of conduct disorder in children. It is important for parents and caregivers to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for children to prevent the onset of this disorder.