Mean girls and bad boys: Recent research on gender differences in conduct disorder

Research on conduct disorder has historically used primarily male samples. More recently, researchers have made an effort to include female participants. This article examines research published between the years of 2000 and 2011, providing a review of similarities and differences in development and expression of conduct disorder across gender. Many contextual variables, such as negative parenting and impoverished environment, appear to serve as risk factors for both males and females. Girls with conduct disorder differ from boys in associations with internalizing disorders and temperamental variables. Implications for theory and treatment are discussed. Methodological issues and potential ways to improve upon the current body of literature are addressed.

► Review of recent research on gender differences in conduct disorder. ► Gender differences found in relation to psychological and physiological variables. ► Similarities in contextual variables across gender. ► Strengths and weaknesses in research methodology. ► Implications for conceptualization, research, and treatment.