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Developmental origins of early antisocial behavior
Susan D Calkins1, Susan P Keane
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, P.O. Box 26170, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, USA. sdcalkin@uncg.edu
Development and Psychopathology
|October 15, 2009
Summary
Children with early behavior problems often show self-regulation deficits. These deficits, alongside parenting and peer factors, predict later antisocial behavior, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- Early childhood behavior problems, especially aggression, are linked to later antisocial behavior.
- Deficits in self-regulation (physiological to cognitive) are associated with early behavior problems and increased risk for antisocial tendencies.
- Understanding the interplay of self-regulation, parenting, and peer relationships is crucial for addressing childhood behavioral issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of early self-regulation deficits in the development of persistent problem behaviors.
- To investigate the influence of parenting and peer relationships as moderators of self-regulation and behavior problems.
- To identify biobehavioral and social factors contributing to early antisocial tendencies.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study (RIGHT Track Research Project) analyzing early self-regulation and behavior problems.
- Assessment of physiological and emotional regulation patterns in at-risk children.
- Examination of parenting behavior and peer relationships as predictors and moderators.
Main Results:
- Children at highest risk for persistent problem behavior exhibited early deficits in physiological and emotional regulation.
- Parenting behavior and self-regulation interact to predict problematic behavior patterns and affect regulation.
- Peer relationships influence and are influenced by self-regulation, impacting academic performance and school success.
Conclusions:
- Early self-regulation deficits are key indicators for children at risk of persistent problem behavior and later antisocial tendencies.
- Social contexts, including family and peer relationships, significantly moderate biobehavioral self-regulation mechanisms.
- Findings underscore the importance of addressing both self-regulation and social factors in interventions for early antisocial behavior.
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