Exploring conduct difficulties amongst middle-aged children living in care

Background The present study aimed to explore the attachment and internal representations among looked after children who experience conduct difficulties (CDi). CDi were explored alongside levels of emotional symptoms (ES), as were how young people responded to stories in a narrative-based measure. Methods Children living in care at Five Rivers Child Care aged four to 11 were eligible for the study. In part one, quantitative analyses were conducted on 82 participants, drawing upon the relationship between the children’s Story Stem Assessment Profile completions and the carers' Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) completions. In part two, qualitative analyses focused on a subsample (n = 27) of those who scored high for CDi and within normal parameters for ES, as captured through the emotional difficulties subscale, on the SDQ. Results Quantitative analysis showed no significant findings between levels of CDi and attachment representations of the self and others. In part two, negative representations of parental figures were more commonly portrayed, and there was less coherence in stories that were emotionally arousing. Conclusion This study emphasises the importance of understanding the complexity of CDi. These findings provide preliminary insights for professionals working with looked after children and contribute to developing future regulations, policies and interventions. Consideration of the prevalence of both ES and externalising presentations when exploring CDi remains essential to deepen our understanding of what can be such a unique aetiology.