Male antisocial behaviour in adolescence and beyond

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Criminology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Antisocial behavior in males often peaks during adolescence.
• The age-crime curve suggests a developmental trajectory for offending.
• A key hypothesis proposes two distinct groups underlying this curve.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence supporting a dual-taxonomy of male antisocial behavior.
• To examine the life-course persistent and adolescence-limited offender groups.
• To assess the 25-year impact and future research directions of this taxonomy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research and evidence on the age-crime curve.
• Analysis of studies differentiating between persistent and adolescent-limited antisocial behavior.
• Examination of the taxonomy's application in policy and research.

Main Results:

• The dual-taxonomy model, distinguishing life-course persistent and adolescence-limited males, is supported by evidence.
• Life-course persistent males exhibit early-onset, pervasive antisocial behavior with poor outcomes.
• Adolescence-limited males display transient, adolescent-focused antisocial behavior; abstainers are rare.

Conclusions:

• The dual-taxonomy of male antisocial behavior has demonstrated research validity over 25 years.
• This model informs early-years prevention and juvenile justice policies.
• Future research should integrate neuroscience, health, genetics, and digital crime into the taxonomy.