The early childhood aggression curve: development of physical aggression in 10- to 50-month-old children.
This study examines the prevalence, stability, and development of physical aggression, as reported by mothers and fathers, in a sample of children initially recruited at 12, 24, and 36 months (N=2,253) and in a subsample followed up 1 year later (n=271) in a cross-sequential design. Physical aggression occurred in 12-month-olds, but significantly more often in 24- and 36-month-olds. The rates of physically aggressive behaviors increased in the 2nd year of life, and declined from the 3rd birthday onward. Stabilities were moderate for 12-month-olds and high for 24- and 36-month-olds. At the ages of 24 and 36 months, boys were more aggressive than girls. The results confirm and extend R.E. Tremblay's (2004) hypothesis about the early development of physical aggression.
Alink
Lenneke R A
LR
Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Mesman
Judi
J
van Zeijl
Jantien
J
Stolk
Mirjam N
MN
Juffer
Femmie
F
Koot
Hans M
HM
Bakermans-Kranenburg
Marian J
MJ
van Ijzendoorn
Marinus H
MH
D000367:Age Factors; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010553:Personality Development; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors