9
comparison of behavior across participants (Hughes & Haynes, 1978). In terms of the practicality of the actual system, elaborate equipment, auxiliary coders, home visits, or lengthy observational periods should not be required (Robinson & Eyberg, 1981). Finally, to be useful for researchers and clinicians who evaluate and treat child behavior problems, an observational system should accomplish the following goals: (1) describe maladaptive parent-child interactions, (2) define the child behavior(s) targeted for change, (3) specify the appropriate treatment intervention, and (4) evaluate the effects of the intervention (Roberts & Forehand, 1978).
Characteristics of Children with Externalizing Problems and Their Families
Children diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder demonstrate a "recurrent pattern of negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures," according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disorders, and Communication Disorders often co-occur in children diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (APA, 1994). Familial and Environmental Factors
Familial and environmental factors have been found to be associated with
Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Marital discord and parental psychopathology (e.g., maternal depression, parental history of behavior problems, and parental AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) are more commonly found in families with a child diagnosed with this disorder (APA, 1994; Dumas & Serketich, 1994; Griest & Forehand,