Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
11:29

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools

Published on: June 20, 2020

Early adult outcomes for Irish children with behavioural difficulties

Anne Cleary1, Elizabeth Nixon

  • 1School of Sociology, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland. anne.cleary@ucd.ie

The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
|October 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Childhood behavioral problems in Irish youth predict negative adult outcomes, including legal issues and lower educational attainment. Early intervention is crucial for improving long-term life success.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Educational Psychology

Background:

  • Limited longitudinal data exists on Irish children's long-term outcomes, especially for those with childhood behavioral disorders.
  • This study examines psychological and educational outcomes for Irish children assessed at age 11 and revisited 10 years later.
  • The research period coincided with Ireland's economic growth and service development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the long-term psychological and educational outcomes of young adults.
  • To investigate the impact of childhood behavioral problems on adult functioning.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 97 children and families, with data collected at two time points.
  • Childhood assessments included psychological functioning, behavior, IQ, family background, and economic status.
  • Young adult outcomes measured psychological functioning, educational attainment, and legal involvement.

Main Results:

  • Childhood behavioral deviance strongly predicted negative adult outcomes, including criminal activity and reduced educational success.
  • Accumulation of risk factors, such as economic disadvantage and low IQ, increased the likelihood of educational failure.
  • Early behavioral issues were significant predictors of later life challenges.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood behavioral difficulties have a substantial impact on adult outcomes, irrespective of improved services and opportunities.
  • Findings align with international research highlighting the importance of addressing childhood behavioral issues.
  • Early identification and support for behavioral problems are critical for long-term well-being.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Operant Conditioning Intervention01:24

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...