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Predicting serious delinquency and substance use among aggressive boys
J O'Donnell1, J D Hawkins, R D Abbott
1Department of Social Work, California State University, Long Beach 90840-0902, USA.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Early aggressive behavior in boys increases later risk for delinquency and drug abuse. However, prosocial skills, school and family bonding, and peer influences can mitigate these risks, preventing future problem behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Criminology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Early aggressive behavior in boys is a significant predictor of later delinquency and substance abuse.
- Not all aggressive children develop into adolescents with problem behaviors, indicating protective factors exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine factors that inhibit or increase the likelihood of serious delinquency and substance use in aggressive boys.
- To test hypotheses from the social development model regarding risk and protective factors.
Main Methods:
- A 3.5-year prospective study of boys identified as aggressive at ages 10-11.
- Assessed prosocial skills, school and family bonding, management practices, norms, and peer/adult antisocial behavior at ages 12-13.
Main Results:
- Prosocial skills, school bonding, and peer/adult antisocial behavior significantly predicted delinquency and substance use at ages 13-14.
- Family bonding and management practices showed minimal contribution to the predictive model.
- Specific factors differentiated aggressive boys who desisted from those who continued problem behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Interventions for aggressive boys should focus on enhancing prosocial skills and positive social connections.
- Targeting peer and adult influences is crucial for preventing adolescent delinquency and substance use.
- Understanding protective factors is key for developing effective preventive strategies.