The Role of Dimensions of Marital Satisfaction in Prediction Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder

Since behavior problems influence all dimensions of individual and social life in children, the aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of parental marital satisfaction and to explain the conduct disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder in children.

This correlation study was conducted on 127 boy students and their parents and teachers in Tehran in 2010. They were selected through cluster random sampling. Relevant data were collected using three questionnaires: ENRICH Marital Inventory, Child behavior check list (CBCL) and Teacher report form (TRF). By using descriptive statistic and regression the data were analyzed.

The findings revealed that the dimension of conflict can predict conduct disorder in CBCL based on DSM scale and CBCL based on experience scale. Dimension of communication can predict the Oppositional Defiant Disorder in CBCL based on experience scale.

Healthy relationship between parents has a determinant contribution in shaping the ability to adjust with others. Findings indicate that repetitive confrontation with parental conflict can result to conduct disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder in children.