J Stevenson1, R Goodman. 1. Centre for Research into Psychological Development, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, UK. jsteven@psy.soton.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The continuity in antisocial behaviour into adulthood from middle childhood is well established but it is not clear whether this is also true of the pre-school period. AIMS: To determine whether pre-school behaviour problems increase the risk of later criminal convictions and add to risk associated with family and social circumstances. METHOD: The records of adult convictions were traced for a general population sample (n=828) initially assessed at age 3 years. RESULTS: The risk of having any adult conviction was related to soiling, daytime enuresis, activity level and management difficulties, and that of having an adult violent offence to recent-onset daytime enuresis, management difficulties and temper tantrums. The only other predictors of later convictions were the child's gender and social competence at age 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of specific behaviour problems in the pre-school period places the child at increased risk of being convicted of an adult offence. Family and social circumstances at age 3 years did not predict later convictions.
BACKGROUND: The continuity in antisocial behaviour into adulthood from middle childhood is well established but it is not clear whether this is also true of the pre-school period. AIMS: To determine whether pre-school behaviour problems increase the risk of later criminal convictions and add to risk associated with family and social circumstances. METHOD: The records of adult convictions were traced for a general population sample (n=828) initially assessed at age 3 years. RESULTS: The risk of having any adult conviction was related to soiling, daytime enuresis, activity level and management difficulties, and that of having an adult violent offence to recent-onset daytime enuresis, management difficulties and temper tantrums. The only other predictors of later convictions were the child's gender and social competence at age 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of specific behaviour problems in the pre-school period places the child at increased risk of being convicted of an adult offence. Family and social circumstances at age 3 years did not predict later convictions.
Authors: Jessica E Tearne; Karina L Allen; Carly E Herbison; David Lawrence; Andrew J O Whitehouse; Michael G Sawyer; Monique Robinson Journal: Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 2014-11-28 Impact factor: 4.785
Authors: Michael Rösler; Wolfgang Retz; Petra Retz-Junginger; Georges Hengesch; Marc Schneider; Tilman Supprian; Petra Schwitzgebel; Katrin Pinhard; Nadine Dovi-Akue; Paul Wender; Johannes Thome Journal: Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci Date: 2004-11-12 Impact factor: 5.270