Risk Factors for Antisocial Behavior in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Developmental Psychology
• Global Health

Background:

• Violent crime significantly impacts social stability, health, and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Previous longitudinal research on violence precursors primarily originates from high-income nations, potentially overlooking unique factors in diverse social contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize longitudinal studies on antisocial behavior in LMICs.
• To compare risk factor effects and aggression stability between LMICs and high-income countries.

Main Methods:

• Conducted extensive literature searches in seven languages, screening over 60,000 references.
• Identified and analyzed 39 longitudinal studies focusing on antisocial behavior in LMICs.

Main Results:

• Identified numerous risk factors for antisocial behavior in LMICs, with effects largely comparable to those observed in high-income countries.
• Demonstrated that the stability of aggression over a three-year period is nearly identical across LMICs and high-income countries.
• Found associations between comorbid psychopathology (low self-control, hyperactivity, sensation seeking) and antisocial behavior in LMICs, while early physical health factors showed weak or null effects.

Conclusions:

• The developmental precursors and stability of antisocial behavior show remarkable cross-cultural consistency between LMICs and high-income countries.
• Psychological factors like low self-control are key predictors, whereas early physical health appears less influential in LMICs.
• Findings underscore the universal nature of certain risk factors for violence and antisocial behavior, informing global prevention strategies.