ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with an overview and description of the characteristics, prevalence rates, and subgroups of externalizing problems, including gender differences and different ages of onset. Antisocial behavior and externalizing problems are similar constructs and the terms are oftentimes used interchangeably. Nevertheless, antisocial behavior usually marks more serious problem behaviors than externalizing behaviors, behaviors of adolescents and adults, and is sometimes discussed in relation to adult antisocial personality disorder. The chapter presents evidence-based prevention and treatment programs for externalizing behavior problems. Several theories have influenced research as well as the development of treatment approaches. Among the influential theories are social learning and social interaction theory, both integrated in Patterson's coercion model and the social ecology of Bronfenbrenner, but also social control theory, and the overarching transactional perspective of developmental psychopathology.
