Abstract
A decade ago, we offered some reflections on the research underlying the construct of impulsivity (Milich & Kramer, 1984). We noted that there was widespread agreement that problems in disinhibition played a crucial role in the major externalizing disorders of childhood, especially attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD). In addition, many secondary problems of childhood, including peer and academic difficulties, were at least in part attributed to poor impulse control. Nevertheless, despite the recognized role that impulsivity played in explaining these difficulties, the research investigating this construct was quite discouraging. Numerous problems were identified that would preclude making meaningful advances in our understanding of the role of impulsivity in accounting for childhood behavior problems.
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Milich, R., Hartung, C.M., Martin, C.A., Haigler, E.D. (1994). Behavioral Disinhibition and Underlying Processes in Adolescents with Disruptive Behavior Disorders. In: Routh, D.K. (eds) Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Childhood. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1501-6_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1501-6_5
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