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Developmental Pathways to Conduct Problems: A Further Test of the Childhood and Adolescent-Onset Distinction

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Abstract

This study tested several theoretically important differences between youth with a childhood-onset and youth with an adolescent-onset to their severe conduct problems. Seventy-eight pre-adjudicated adolescent boys (ranging in age from 11 to 18) housed in two short-term detention facilities and one outpatient program for youth at risk for involvement in the juvenile justice system participated in the current study. The sample was divided into those with a childhood-onset to their serious conduct problem behavior (n = 47) and those with an adolescent-onset (n = 31). The childhood-onset group showed greater levels of dysfunctional parenting, callous–unemotional traits, and affiliation with delinquent peers. The only variable more strongly associated with the adolescent-onset group was lower scores on a measure of traditionalism.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, 2001 Geology and Psychology Building, New Orleans, LA, 70148, USA

    Danielle M. Dandreaux & Paul J. Frick

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Correspondence to Paul J. Frick.

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Dandreaux, D.M., Frick, P.J. Developmental Pathways to Conduct Problems: A Further Test of the Childhood and Adolescent-Onset Distinction. J Abnorm Child Psychol 37, 375–385 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-008-9261-5

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