Early family predictors tracked for development of physical aggression problems in boys and girls.
This research aimed to explore the early family predictors of children on the high physical aggression pathway. Using multitrajectory modelling to identify distinct patterns of physical aggression from 1.5–13 years of age, the researchers examined longitudinal data from a sample of 2223 infants. Seven interviews were undertaken (at ages 1.5–8 years) with the person most knowledgeable about the child (mothers in 99.6% of cases). Teachers assessed the child’s behaviour at ages 6–13 years. Self-reports of any behavioural problems were also taken from the child between ages 10–13 years. Three developmental trajectories of physical aggression were noted for girls, and five for boys. Most family characteristics observed five months after a child’s birth were associated with a high physical aggression trajectory for both boys and girls. Family characteristics at five months after birth could be used to target preschool interventions to prevent the development of chronic physical aggression issues.
doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.6364
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