NCJ Number
239851
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2012 Pages: 365-372
Date Published
August 2012
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study provides a review of research published in four specific journals that target the stability of aggression across distinct periods of the life course.
Abstract
Research on the stability of aggression tends to show patterns of continuity and to a lesser extent discontinuity. In this study, the authors provide a review of research published in four specific journals that target the stability of aggression across distinct periods of the life course. Findings from these studies identify considerable support for both instability and stability of aggression, but with some unique findings related to aggression among females as well as adult-onset aggression. The review closes with an original empirical analysis using longitudinal data from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development linking teacher-rated aggression in childhood/adolescence to official conviction records in mid-adulthood, the findings of which suggest a strong degree of continuity in aggression/antisocial behavior among the most aggressive youths/chronic offenders. Conclusions and directions for future research are also discussed. (Published Abstract)