BACKGROUND: Prediction of antisocial behavior is important, given its adverse impact on both the individuals engaging in antisocial behavior and society. Additional research identifying early predictors of future antisocial behavior, or antisocial propensity, is needed. The present study tested the hypothesis that both concern for others and active disregard for others in distress in toddlers and young children predict antisocial behavior during middle childhood and adolescence. METHODS: A representative sample of same-sex twins (N=956) recruited in Colorado was examined. Mother-rated and researcher-observed concern and disregard for others assessed at age 14-36 months were examined as predictors of parent- (age 4-12), teacher- (age 7-12), and self-reported (age 17) antisocial behavior. RESULTS: Observed disregard for others predicted antisocial behavior assessed by three different informants (parents, teachers, and self), including antisocial behavior assessed 14 years later. It also predicted a higher order antisocial behavior factor (β=.58, p<.01) after controlling for observed concern for others. Mother-rated disregard for others predicted parent-reported antisocial behavior. Contrary to predictions, neither mother-rated nor observed concern for others inversely predicted antisocial behavior. RESULTS of twin analyses suggested that the covariation between observed disregard for others and antisocial behavior was due to shared environmental influences. CONCLUSIONS: Disregard for others in toddlerhood/early childhood is a strong predictor of antisocial behavior in middle childhood and adolescence. The results suggest the potential need for early assessment of disregard for others and the development of potential interventions.
BACKGROUND: Prediction of antisocial behavior is important, given its adverse impact on both the individuals engaging in antisocial behavior and society. Additional research identifying early predictors of future antisocial behavior, or antisocial propensity, is needed. The present study tested the hypothesis that both concern for others and active disregard for others in distress in toddlers and young children predict antisocial behavior during middle childhood and adolescence. METHODS: A representative sample of same-sex twins (N=956) recruited in Colorado was examined. Mother-rated and researcher-observed concern and disregard for others assessed at age 14-36 months were examined as predictors of parent- (age 4-12), teacher- (age 7-12), and self-reported (age 17) antisocial behavior. RESULTS: Observed disregard for others predicted antisocial behavior assessed by three different informants (parents, teachers, and self), including antisocial behavior assessed 14 years later. It also predicted a higher order antisocial behavior factor (β=.58, p<.01) after controlling for observed concern for others. Mother-rated disregard for others predicted parent-reported antisocial behavior. Contrary to predictions, neither mother-rated nor observed concern for others inversely predicted antisocial behavior. RESULTS of twin analyses suggested that the covariation between observed disregard for others and antisocial behavior was due to shared environmental influences. CONCLUSIONS: Disregard for others in toddlerhood/early childhood is a strong predictor of antisocial behavior in middle childhood and adolescence. The results suggest the potential need for early assessment of disregard for others and the development of potential interventions.
Authors: Sylvana C C Robbers; Meike Bartels; Floor V A van Oort; C E M Toos van Beijsterveldt; Jan van der Ende; Frank C Verhulst; Dorret I Boomsma; Anja C Huizink Journal: Twin Res Hum Genet Date: 2010-02 Impact factor: 1.587
Authors: Elizabeth A Shirtcliff; Michael J Vitacco; Alexander R Graf; Andrew J Gostisha; Jenna L Merz; Carolyn Zahn-Waxler Journal: Behav Sci Law Date: 2009 Mar-Apr
Authors: Soo Hyun Rhee; Naomi P Friedman; Robin P Corley; John K Hewitt; Laura K Hink; Daniel P Johnson; Ashley K Smith Watts; Susan E Young; JoAnn Robinson; Irwin D Waldman; Carolyn Zahn-Waxler Journal: J Abnorm Psychol Date: 2015-12-14
Authors: Lauren S Wakschlag; Susan B Perlman; R James Blair; Ellen Leibenluft; Margaret J Briggs-Gowan; Daniel S Pine Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2017-11-17 Impact factor: 18.112
Authors: Soo Hyun Rhee; Kerri Woodward; Robin P Corley; Alta du Pont; Naomi P Friedman; John K Hewitt; Laura K Hink; JoAnn Robinson; Carolyn Zahn-Waxler Journal: Dev Psychopathol Date: 2021-02