Association between behaviour at age 3 years and adult criminality

Abstract

BackgroundThe continuity in antisocial behaviour into adulthood from middle childhood is well established but it is not clear whether this is also true of the pre-school period.AimsTo determine whether preschool behaviour problems increase the risk of later criminal convictions and add to risk associated with family and social circumstances.MethodThe records of adult convictions were traced for a general population sample (n=828) initially assessed at age 3 years.ResultsThe risk of having any adult conviction was related to soiling, daytime enuresis, activity level and management difficulties, and that of having an adult violent offence to recent-onset daytime enuresis, management difficulties and temper tantrums. The only other predictors of later convictions were the child's gender and social competence at age 3 years.ConclusionsThe presence of specific behaviour problems in the pre-school period places the child at increased risk of being convicted of an adult offence. Family and social circumstances at age 3 years did not predict later convictions.