The Association Between Conduct Disorder and Insecure Attachment: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)/ Conduct Disorder (CD) symptoms and attachment style. To date, the cause of these disorders has not yet been fully determined. The etiological literature on CD/ODD has acknowledged both biological and psychosocial explanations for the disorders, including a strong emphasis on familial risk factors (e.g., Biederman et al., 1990; Frick et al., 1992). There is evidence to support the theory that environmental factors can influence atypical development (e.g., Burgin & Bohleber, 2010; Clarke et al., 2002). Empirical research has attempted to tease apart the genetic and psychosocial contributing factors to these disorders. Specifically, researchers have begun to explore the notion that CD/ODD symptoms may be associated with insecure attachment styles (e.g., Shaw & Vondra, 1995; Vando et al., 2008). A meta-analysis was conducted in order to review the research findings and clarify a possible link between insecure attachment styles and CD/ODD symptoms and to establish the degree and size of the effect. The publication year of the studies included in the analysis was found to be a significant moderator.