Hartung, Cynthia M.Lefler, Elizabeth Kathryn2014-04-152014-04-152005-12-01http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14446/9438Research on the Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) has historically been based on boys. Results from previous research suggest that more boys than girls have DBD symptoms (e.g., hyperactivity, oppositionality, conduct problems), but these differences vary across studies. Thus, more research is needed to fully understand sex differences in the DBDs. The current study gathered data from the parents of 74, 3- to 12-year-old children who completed mental health screeners at a pediatric visit. Sex by age interactions emerged such that in the preschool age group (3- to 5-year-olds) girls were reported to have higher DBD levels than boys. However, in the middle childhood (6- to 8-year-olds) and early adolescent (9- to 12-year-olds) groups, the pattern was reversed such that boys were reported to have higher levels of DBD symptoms. Thus, to understand sex differences, consideration must also be given to developmental level.application/pdfCopyright is held by the author who has granted the Oklahoma State University Library the non-exclusive right to share this material in its institutional repository. Contact Digital Library Services at lib-dls@okstate.edu or 405-744-9161 for the permission policy on the use, reproduction or distribution of this material.textsex differencesdevelopmental differencesdisruptive behavior disorders