Changes in and stability of hostile characteristics: results from a 4-year longitudinal study of children

Changes in and stability of hostility characteristics and their relationship to age, sex, and family support were examined among 108 10-18-year-olds in a 4-year longitudinal study. Clinical ratings of Structured Interview potential for hostility, self-reported Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-derived hostile attitudes, and perceptions of family support were obtained at study entry and at follow-up when subjects were ages 15-21. Results showed relative stability of hostility rankings across 4 years, with males being more hostile than females. Both sexes increased in hostility over time, with the greatest increase in Ss who perceived low family support at follow-up and whose parents perceived high family support at study entry. Results are consistent with notions that early signs of hostility are risk factors for later development of coronary disease and that family environment influences development of hostility.