Early-Onset Conduct Problems: Predictions from Daring Temperament and Risk Taking Behavior

Abstract

Objective Given its considerable public health significance, identifying predictors of early expressions of conduct problems is a priority. We examined the predictive validity of daring, a key dimension of temperament, and the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART), a laboratory-based measure of risk taking behavior, with respect to two-year change in parent, teacher-, and youth self-reported oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and antisocial behavior. Method At baseline, 150 ethnically diverse 6- to 10-year old (M=7.8, SD=1.1; 69.3% male) youth with (n=82) and without (n=68) DSM-IV ADHD completed the BART whereas parents rated youth temperament (i.e., daring); parents and teachers also independently rated youth ODD and CD symptoms. Approximately 2 years later, multi-informant ratings of youth ODD, CD, and antisocial behavior were gathered from rating scales and interviews. Results Whereas risk taking on the BART was unrelated to conduct problems, individual differences in daring prospectively predicted multi-informant rated conduct problems, independent of baseline risk taking, conduct problems, and ADHD diagnostic status. Conclusion Early differences in the propensity to show positive socio-emotional responses to risky or novel experiences uniquely predicted escalating conduct problems in childhood, even with control of other potent clinical correlates. We consider the role of temperament in the origins and development of significant conduct problems from childhood to adolescence, including possible explanatory mechanisms underlying these predictions.

Sensation seeking in 3- to 6-year-old children: associations with socio-demographic parameters and behavioural difficulties

“…In particular, there is an association between behavioural intensity and thrill seeking, on the one side, and the likelihood of having more conduct problems, on the other. These results are in line with findings in children and adolescents [ 33 , 34 ] and suggest that the link between sensation seeking and aggressive, quarrelsome behaviour and short-temperedness is already apparent in young childhood. In line with our hypothesis, we also found that children who present more thrill seeking showed more signs of hyperactivity/inattention.…”

“…To date, very few studies have examined this relationship. Previous findings suggest an association between sensation seeking and externalising behavioural difficulties, namely conduct problems [ 33 , 34 ] in children and adolescents, and hyperactivity symptoms in adults [ 35 ]. In respect to internalising problems (e.g.…”

Testing gene by community disadvantage moderation of sexual health outcomes among urban women

“…This is the first study, to our knowledge, to examine whether the interaction between genetic loading for CD and community disadvantage is associated with sexual health outcomes among urban women. Past work has indicated that behavioral reports of conduct problems and community disadvantage are individually predictive of sexual risk taking [9,20]. Results from the present study extend previous findings by highlighting the combined effects of genetic propensity for CD and disadvantage on sexual risk behaviors among women.…”

“…Conduct disorder (CD) is defined as a syndrome characterized by a pattern of antisocial behaviors that often infringes on the rights of others and violates social norms [9,10]. CD has been consistently associated with sexual health outcomes among women.…”

“…For example, women higher in CD phenotypes (e.g., impulsivity, disobedience) are more likely to engage in earlier sexual debut, use contraceptives less frequently, have more sexual partners and STIs, and experience early child-rearing relative to women lower in CD phenotypes [10–12]. Individuals higher in CD symptoms may be higher in impulsivity, sensation seeking, and may be more likely to seek out immediate rewards despite potential negative repercussions [9,13], all of which may predispose these individuals towards sexual risk taking.…”