This study examined parent-rated conduct disorder (CD) symptoms in preschoolers over-recruited for disruptive behavior problems, comparing symptom levels and trajectories between males and females across three timepoints over one year.
Only one specific symptom — using a weapon or object to harm others — showed a significant gender difference at the initial timepoint. No significant gender differences were found in one-year symptom trajectories for preschool disruptive behavior disorders, counter to the study's hypotheses.
- Sample was over-recruited for disruptive behavior, limiting generalizability to community populations. - Study relied solely on parent-rated symptom reports, which may introduce reporter bias. - As a master's thesis, findings have not yet undergone peer review for the 2026 journal publication.
Clinicians should not assume that preschool-age girls with disruptive behavior have meaningfully lower CD symptom burdens than boys — most specific symptoms did not differ by gender at this age. Early screening for CD should not be de-prioritized in female preschoolers.
