NCJ Number
99540
Journal
Journal of Clinical Psychology Volume: 41 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1985) Pages: 564-571
Date Published
1985
Length
8 pages
Annotation
To clarify the relationship of various childhood problem behaviors in association with peer rejection to outcomes in adolescence and young adulthood, this study examined subsequent juvenile and adult criminal records and mental health contacts for a sample of 1,130 subjects identified as having low peer status in childhood.
Abstract
Childhood behavior factors evaluated included aggression, anxiety, poor school achievement, motivational deficit, neurological problems, and family disturbance. Subjects come from public schools in two cities. Teacher interview information was analyzed to identify specific problem behavior clusters associated with peer rejection. Delinquency was established through a formal juvenile record on file that indicated court referral. Results indicate that childhood aggression was significantly related to later delinquency and differentiated delinquents from those with subsequent mental health contacts. Those who had contact with both the criminal justice and mental health systems were similar to delinquents in terms of aggression. Childhood aggression also characterized those who had later contact with the adult criminal justice system. Although aggression was not related significantly to mental health contact, more aggressive subjects were more likely to be diagnosed as antisocial, while less aggressive subjects tended to be diagnosed as neurotic. A childhood 'neurological' scale differentiated subjects with a schizophrenic spectrum diagnosis from other subjects with mental health treatment. Overall, results suggest that unsocialized aggressiveness in childhood has important consequences for long-term outcomes. Tables and 14 references are included. (Author abstract modified)