A Structural Model of Appropriate Adult Functioning for Boys with Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Saint Francis Academy is a residential treatment center for boys with disruptive behavior disorders. Previously collected posttreatment data was factor analyzed yielding nine factors, six of which contributed to a second-order factor called Appropriate Adult Functioning. A structural model using these six factors produced from data collected from ex-residents at 2 years postrelease was analyzed using EQS (a structural modeling program). The model was then validated using data from subsequent follow-ups. Results required the removal of one path, but otherwise the a priori model fit the data for all three follow-ups. The adjustments in path values required for subsequent follow-ups allowed for dynamic interpretations. Of particular interest were the findings regarding the growing impact of Responsibility on Emotional-Well Being and Financial Independence and the relationship of Financial Independence to Legal Involvement. Implications for treatment design and evaluation strategies are given.