Early predictors of antisocial developmental pathways among boys and girls

Objective: We investigated in a high‐risk sample the differential impact of biological and psychosocial risk factors on antisocial behaviour pathways. Method: One hundred and thirty‐eight boys and 155 girls born at differing degrees of obstetric and psychosocial risk were examined from birth until adolescence. Childhood temperament was assessed by a highly‐structured parent‐interview and standardized behavioural observations, adolescent temperament was measured by self‐report. Neurodevelopmental variables were assessed by age‐specific developmental tests. Emotional and behaviour problems were measured at the ages of 8 and 15 by the Achenbach scales. Results: In both genders, psychosocial adversity and early self‐control temperament were strongly associated with early‐onset persistent (EOP) antisocial behaviour. Psychosocial adversity and more severe externalizing problems differentiated the EOP from childhood‐limited (CL) pathway. In girls, adolescent‐onset (AO) antisocial behaviour was strongly associated with novelty seeking at 15 years. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the need for early support and intervention in psychosocially disadvantaged families.