Aggressive behavior in adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Master Thesis
2013
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Behavioral studies of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have indicated that aggression is common amongst alcohol-exposed adolescents, and that it appears to become more prevalent with age in that population. Such studies have documented the presence of aggression as a behavioral outcome, but have not provided detailed information regarding its presentation, including whether it is proactive or reactive in nature and under which circumstances it arises. Consequently, there is a lack of a theoretical framework within which to understand aggression in FASD. The current research comprised two studies. In Study 1, comorbid developmental disorders that are typically associated with aggression were examined in alcohol-exposed and non-exposed boys and girls. The results indicated a higher prevalence of disruptive behavior disorders, and conduct disorder in particular, amongst the alcohol-exposed boys, and highlighted a significant association between prenatal alcohol exposure and an aggressive subtype of conduct disorder. Based on these findings, Study 2, a multiple-case study, examined the aggressive behaviors of 6 alcohol-exposed and nonexposed adolescents and their classmates.
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Includes bibliographical references.
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Smith, K. 2013. Aggressive behavior in adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. University of Cape Town.