Early predictors of antisocial developmental pathways among boys and girls.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated in a high-risk sample the differential impact of biological and psychosocial risk factors on antisocial behaviour pathways.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-eight boys and 155 girls born at differing degrees of obstetric and psychosocial risk were examined from birth until adolescence. Childhood temperament was assessed by a highly-structured parent-interview and standardized behavioural observations, adolescent temperament was measured by self-report. Neurodevelopmental variables were assessed by age-specific developmental tests. Emotional and behaviour problems were measured at the ages of 8 and 15 by the Achenbach scales.


RESULTS
In both genders, psychosocial adversity and early self-control temperament were strongly associated with early-onset persistent (EOP) antisocial behaviour. Psychosocial adversity and more severe externalizing problems differentiated the EOP from childhood-limited (CL) pathway. In girls, adolescent-onset (AO) antisocial behaviour was strongly associated with novelty seeking at 15 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings emphasize the need for early support and intervention in psychosocially disadvantaged families.
Pitzer
M
M
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany. Martina.Pitzer@zi-mannheim.de
Esser
G
G
Schmidt
M H
MH
Laucht
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D017668:Age of Onset; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013694:Temperament; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data