Provides an overview of a theoretical framework for understanding the development of antisocial and delinquent behavior in boys. Models depicting the theory and family management variables (discipline, monitoring, positive parenting, and problem solving) are described. Total aversive behavior, based on home observations, and parent daily report, based on telephone interviews, are examined as outcome indicators for a variety of studies investigating the efficacy of social interactional therapy. Reports of treatment for adjudicated adolescents and their families are included; law violations are the dependent measures. Examples of the interface between clinical work and theory, questions of generalization of the clinical methodology to large urban populations, and access to parents who most need to learn the parenting techniques are discussed.