The Development and Ecology of Antisocial Behavior: Linking Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of findings about the development of antisocial behavior from early childhood through young adulthood. Consistent with a developmental psychopathology framework, linkages are made between biology, relationship dynamics with parents and peers, and progressions from deficits in self‐regulation in early childhood, to antisocial behavior in childhood, and to various forms of adolescent problem behavior, including serious violence. Parent–child coercion and peer contagion continue to play out as key relationship dynamics that are linked to escalating problem behavior throughout development. Self‐regulation, parent–child coercion, and peer contagion are core targets of evidence‐based interventions shown to prevent and treat antisocial behavior from early childhood to adolescence. The scientific study of the development of antisocial behavior provides a model for the advantages of translational research to the design of effective interventions. Important future directions include a better understanding of unique developmental pathways relevant to adapting and tailoring interventions for antisocial behavior at various stages of development.