Childhood Predictive Characteristics of Aggressive Adolescents

Abstract

A study was conducted to delineate and describe a number of childhood (occurring prior to age nine) variables that could be used to predict the occurrence of maladaptive aggressive behavior in adolescence. The subjects were three groups of adolescents, all of whom participated in a residential treatment program for emotionally disturbed children. One group was characterized as aggressive and violent, and was compared with two other groups with regard to four predictive indicators: organic problems, family problems, conduct disordered behaviors, and academic achievement problems. Data were gathered from childhood treatment records. Significant differences were found between the aggressive group and the comparison groups for all four predictors. Implications for early identification and treatment are discussed.