Forensic Psychology: Development of Delinquency and Antisocial Behavior

What is antisocial behavior?

Serious habitual misbehavior that is directly harmful to the well-being of others.

Give examples of antisocial behavior.

Stealing, setting fires, running away from home, skipping school, destroying property, fighting, or being cruel to animals.

How does antisocial behavior differ from Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Antisocial behavior refers to actions that harm others, while Antisocial Personality Disorder is a diagnosis for adults characterized by aggression, deceitfulness, and serious rule violations.

What are the two paths of antisocial behavior according to Moffitt's Developmental Theory?

1. Life Course Persistent (LCP) - antisocial behavior continues into adulthood.

2. Adolescent Limited (AL) - antisocial behavior stops in young adulthood.

What characterizes Life Course Persistent (LCP) antisocial behavior?

It begins in childhood and continues into adulthood, often linked to attention and learning problems, difficult temperaments, and inconsistent parenting.

What factors contribute to Adolescent Limited (AL) antisocial behavior?

Peer pressure and lack of executive functioning, with behaviors often leaving into adult privilege and autonomy.

What is the Developmental Dual Systems Model?

It describes how different brain areas mature at different rates, affecting risk perception and decision-making during adolescence.

What happens to injury/death rates during teenage years according to the Developmental Dual Systems Model?

They take a substantial increase due to heightened risk-taking behaviors.

What is executive functioning?

The capacity to plan, regulate, and control purposive behavior, including reasoning, judgment, and inhibition.

What is Conduct Disorder?

A repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others, often a precursor to chronic criminal behavior.

What are the signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

Arguing with adults, refusing requests, deliberately annoying others, blaming others for mistakes, and being spiteful or vindictive.

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, characterized by excessive motor activity, impulsivity, and inattention.

What are the three central behaviors of ADHD?

Excessive motor activity, impulsivity, and inattention.

How can ADHD lead to social rejection?

Children with ADHD may be perceived as annoying or aversive, leading to social rejection and isolation.

What role does parenting play in antisocial behavior?

Inconsistent or hostile parenting can contribute to the development of antisocial behavior in children.

What is the impact of peer rejection in elementary school?

It is a predictor of whether a child will develop Life Course Persistent (LCP) or Adolescent Limited (AL) antisocial behavior.

What is hostile attribution bias?

The tendency to interpret others' behaviors as hostile, which can lead to aggressive responses.

What is the relationship between executive functioning and antisocial personality disorder?

Poor executive functioning is a hallmark of antisocial personality disorder, affecting decision-making and behavior regulation.

What are the consequences of impaired language skills in children?

Impaired language can lead to behavior problems, increased stress, and frustration, often resulting in physical behavior to achieve goals.

What is the significance of the prefrontal cortex in adolescent behavior?

The prefrontal cortex matures more slowly, affecting cognitive control and leading to risky behaviors during adolescence.

What is the effect of supportive parenting on child development?

Warm but firm parenting practices are associated with better self-regulation and reduced antisocial behavior.