Developmental pathways to antisocial behavior: the delayed-onset pathway in girls

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Boys exhibit distinct childhood-onset and adolescent-onset pathways for antisocial behavior.
• Limited research exists on antisocial behavior trajectories in girls.
• Existing models may not fully capture female antisocial development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a modified developmental model for antisocial behavior in girls.
• To investigate similarities and differences between male and female antisocial development.
• To introduce the "delayed-onset" pathway concept for girls.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on antisocial behavior in boys and girls.
• Comparative analysis of developmental trajectories and correlates.
• Theoretical model development based on empirical observations.

Main Results:

• Antisocial girls share correlates with the childhood-onset pathway in boys, including impaired adult adjustment.
• Antisocial girls typically exhibit adolescent-onset behavior.
• A novel "delayed-onset" pathway is proposed for girls, analogous to the childhood-onset pathway in boys.

Conclusions:

• The proposed "delayed-onset" pathway for girls requires empirical validation.
• Current theoretical models for antisocial behavior may need significant adaptation for girls.
• Further research is crucial to understand gender-specific developmental pathways of antisocial behavior.