Integrating biological and social processes in relation to early-onset persistent aggression in boys and girls.
This study examined the relationship between biological and social risk factors and aggressive behavior patterns in an Australian high-risk sample of 370 adolescents. Perinatal, temperamental, familial, sociodemographic, and behavioral data were collected during interviews completed during pregnancy. immediately postpartum, and when the children were 6 months old and 5, 14, and 15 years old. Youths were given tests of verbal and neuropsychological functioning at the age 5 and age 15 follow-ups. Youths were divided into early-onset persistent aggression, adolescent-onset aggression, and nonaggressive behavior groups. Results revealed that the interaction of biological and social risk factors was significantly related to early-onset persistent aggression. Gender and developmental phase of measurement moderated the relationship between biosocial risks and the outcomes of early-onset persistent aggression and adolescent-onset aggression.
Brennan
Patricia A
PA
Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. pbren01@emory.edu
Hall
Jason
J
Bor
William
W
Najman
Jake M
JM
Williams
Gail
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D013997:Time Factors