Rule Breaking
A pattern of deliberately violating established rules, norms, or boundaries, which may be a symptom of behavioural conditions, a response to trauma or environmental factors, or a sign of developmental challenge.
Quick answer
Rule-breaking as a symptom (ICD-10: F91.x; ICD-11: 6C91) spans conduct disorder, ODD, and trauma responses. Parent management training and multisystemic therapy have strong evidence for adolescent presentations. Trauma-informed assessment is essential. Restorative approaches address harm in relational contexts.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Repeated breaking of rules at home, school, or in social settings
Difficulty adhering to expectations or authority
Testing limits or deliberately defying instructions
Rationalising rule-breaking as justified or unimportant
Consequential harm arising from repeated boundary violations
What is Rule Breaking?
A pattern of deliberately violating established rules, norms, or boundaries, which may be a symptom of behavioural conditions, a response to trauma or environmental factors, or a sign of developmental challenge.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Rule Breaking, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Cognitive patterns, emotional processing, and stress response.
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What You Can Do Now
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