This research study compared the efficacy of three treatment methodologies for adolescent
males in residential treatment with conduct disorders and/or personality dysfunctions and documented
problems with physical and sexual aggression. The results showed that Mode Deactivation Therapy, an
advanced form of cognitive behavioral therapy based on Beck’s theory of modes, was superior to
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Social Skills Training in reducing both physical and sexual
aggression. At the same time, Mode Deactivation Therapy was the only treatment of the three that
significantly reduced sexual aggression for these youth. The results also showed that MDT was superior
to CBT and SST in reducing external and internal psychological distress as measured by DSMD and
CBCL