Parenting styles in Iranian families of adolescents with and without conduct disorder

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate parenting styles and associated variables in families of adolescents with and without conduct disorder (CD). Method: We used a survey method to assess 120 parents (60 with and 60 without CD adolescents). For gathering the data, we administered Parenting Styles Questionnaire (Robinson, Mandleco, Olsen, & Hart, 2001), and DSM IV (1994) criteria, respectively for parenting styles and CD diagnosis. Results: The principal findings of the study were that the parents of adolescents with CD are less authoritative, and more authoritarian than the comparison group. No significant difference was found on permissiveness. Furthermore, the findings showed a significant relationship between parents' socioeconomic status (SES) with the disorder. Conclusion: These data would suggest that familial variables, especially parenting styles and SES are associated with CD. We discussed the clinical implications for etiology, prevention, and treatment.