Lahey et al. have assembled a splendidly comprehensive assessment of causal theories of conduct disorder and juvenile delinquency. The thirteen chapters--each written by leading scholars in the area--are interdisciplinary in style and scope, ranging substantively from genetic to community models and developmentally from toddlerhood to the early adult years. The volume contains a wealth of information about what is currently known and clear blueprints for future efforts to test and refine the theories. This is a vital sourcebook for all serious students of conduct problems, from upper-division undergraduates to senior scholars.--Terence P. Thornberry, School of Criminal Justice, State University of New York at Albany
There is a vast amount of information about conduct disorder and juvenile delinquency, but unfortunately, much of the literature is taxonomically confused, emptily empirical, and confounding across variables or risk factors. In contrast, the editors have set the parameters of this volume to be both evidence-driven and focused on causality. To achieve their objective, they have engaged a group of the most distinguished scientists in the field as contributors. The result is a scholarly collation of research data, incisive reviews, and challenging hypotheses for research on causality. This book should be a standard reference for libraries, scholars, and thoughtful clinicians.--John Scott Werry, MD, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Two aspects of this book are notable. First, the array of leading-edge contributors is unusually impressive. The chapter authors are well known in the field, both for their expertise in specific aspects of development and their ability to relate these interest areas to broader processes of developmental psychopathology. Second, the book contains unusually thoughtful efforts to detail hypotheses and research strategies that will empirically advance our understanding of causal processes in the development of antisocial behavior. Lahey et al. have produced a volume that will substantially boost knowledge in this scientifically and socially vital area.--John E. Bates, PhD, Department of Psychology, Indiana University
This book is a groundbreaking contribution to the literature, in several respects. It provides broad coverage of the range of causal theories current in the field, and the individual chapters are written by the key researchers in those areas. Most importantly, the authors have been charged with moving the field forward by providing testable hypotheses derived from each theory. The book will be a valuable resource for years to come, not only for its depth of coverage, but for its heuristic value as well. The editors and chapter authors are to be congratulated on a job well done.--Robert J. McMahon, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Washington
-This book boasts an impressive array of authors....The book contains a wealth of information regarding what is already known about conduct disorder and many thought-provoking ideas about future research and intervention possibilities....The book will serve me as an excellent reference source and will no doubt help me both to maintain a necessary curiosity and to constantly refine formulations and review treatment options. Given the large number of children and adolescents presenting to CAMHS with a conduct disorder, the book is highly relevant to a large audience.--Child and Adolescent Mental Health Journal, 5/24/2003ffAn important addition for researchers, practitioners, and students who desire to be well informed about the multiple causal mechanisms involved in early childhood and adolescent conduct disorder and juvenile delinquency....The authors do an outstanding job of defining, explaining, and offering research hypotheses on causes of conduct disorders....This book is well organized....Collectively, the authors have demonstrated expert knowledge of theory implications and the need for further research. Easily viewed as a researcher's dream, this book provides an unsurpassable amount of relevant testable hypotheses, related empirical support, and more than thorough reference lists at the sum of each chapter. Researchers, practitioners, and readers in general will find Causes of Conduct Disorder and Juvenile Delinquency more than satisfactory, a beneficial addition to the literature, and a helpful tool that provides hope for future treatment and prevention of conduct disorder.--Criminal Justice Review, 5/24/2003
