What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

The short answer is ‘no’ – it doesn’t cause Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), but it is definitely a contributing factor. Much of the research to date addresses the influence of parents’ attitudes and actions on the behavior of their kids. Studies have consistently shown a strong correlation between marital dissatisfaction and overt marital conflict and kid’s oppositional defiant behavior. Studies have examined numerous explanations for these findings. One such explanation was that dysfunctional marital relationships lead to dysfunctional parenting practices. Marital conflict has been positively linked with callous disciplinary practices used by moms and dads, lower levels of parental participation, and more recurrent parent-child conflict. Conflicted moms and dads are also less likely to praise their kids, read to them, engage in recreation with them, or spend time with them in relational or social activities. This detachment fuels negative relationships within families.

Solutions for Oppositional Defiant Behavior in ODD Students: Tips for Teachers 1. ODD Behavior: Complying with the letter of the law but not with the spirit of it— Examples: • When told, “Take your hat off,” the child may take it off and then put it back on. • When given the direction “Lower your voice,” the child may speak in a lower tone but use the same volume. • When given the direction “Bring your chair up to the front of the room,” the child may bring the chair up but then sit on the floor. Teacher’s Strategy: Teach the difference between the letter and the spirit of the law— Generally, when faced with the “loophole finding” student, teachers will try to become more precise in their language or to add additional rules. Rather than trying to plug the loopholes, have a lesson at the beginning of the year on the difference between the “letter of the law” and the “spirit of the law.” Unless a youngster has a language impairment, she/he knows what the tea