NCJ Number
152851
Journal
Studies on Crime and Crime Prevention Volume: 3 Dated: (1994) Pages: 41-62
Date Published
1994
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Because longitudinal investigations indicate that children who are antisocial at a young age are at high risk to become persistent adult offenders, this study examined a birth cohort of 15,117 persons born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1963 over a 30-year period.
Abstract
The study goal was to explore the stability of antisocial behavior over time. Only 7,235 males and 6,975 females living in Sweden at the end of the 30-year period were included in the analysis. The study focused on conduct problems in school, conduct problems in the community, criminality, mental disorders, social class, pregnancy and birth complications, and family and individual problems. It was found that antisocial behavior in childhood significantly increased the risk of persistent adult criminality and the early onset of severe substance abuse for both males and females. Males who were antisocial as children were also at increased risk for early death. The need for childhood intervention programs that address antisocial behavior is discussed. 68 references and 6 tables