Introduction to the Special Issue: Prevention Science and Youth Conduct Problems: Development, Prevention, and Treatment

Abstract

This introductory article describes this Special Issue entitled�Prevention Science and Youth Conduct Problems: Development, Prevention, and Treatment�that is being offered in recognition of the research and scientific contributions of Dr. Robert J.�McMahon. This Special Issue includes a collection of 15 original empirical research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and theoretical pieces spanning three themes consistent with Dr. McMahon�s program of research: (1) risk and protective factors in the development and maintenance of youth conduct problems; (2) family based preventive and treatment interventions for youth�conduct problems; and (3) multicomponent preventive and treatment interventions for youth�conduct problems. Following these articles, this Special Issue contains two commentaries from experts in the fields of youth conduct problems and prevention science, as well as a reflection from Dr. McMahon. Our introduction provides a brief synopsis of each article contained in the Special Issue, identifying how these works reflect upon and were inspired by Dr. McMahon�s research legacy and how they advance understanding of conduct problems. We close this introduction with thoughts regarding future research directions that will extend Dr. McMahon�s impressive impact on the field of youth conduct problems.