An experimental test of differential susceptibility to parenting among emotionally-dysregulated children in a randomized controlled trial for oppositional behavior.

摘要: Background:  The concept of differential susceptibility has challenged the potential meaning personal traits such as poor ability to regulate emotions. Under traditional model diathesis/stress, characteristics liability angry outbursts are seen essentially disadvantageous, emerging under duress in a way that is maladaptive. In contrast, with susceptibility, there same poorer functioning adverse conditions but, favorable conditions, individuals trait function better than those without it. To date, have been limited studies on response positive environments. We used experimental power an intervention trial test hypothesis children emotional dysregulation would show greater experimentally induced improvement their parenting environment. Methods:  Data were from SPOKES (ISRCTN 77566446), randomized controlled 112 school who 5–6-years old, screened for elevated levels oppositionality, groups or control; 109 (97%) followed-up year later. Using DSM-IV oppositional-defiant symptoms, divided into Emotionally-Dysregulated type (ED, n = 68) and Headstrong (n = 44). was Incredible Years program supplemented by strategies use when reading children. Assessment conduct problems semistructured interviews. Results:  At follow-up, parents allocated showed significant improvements equal extent compared control group. However, significantly decrease between (treatment effect-size 0.84 standard deviations) (es 0.20 SD), p = 0.04. Conclusions:  experiment, this study exhibited behavior pretreatment more responsive parental care induced. findings extend prior work sensitivity suggesting exhibiting irascibility emotionality may caregiving environment, identify subset respond existing treatments.