How does early antisocial behaviour impact later life success? An examination of the age 30 outcomes in an Australian population sample

• In Event: Antisocial Behaviour, Violence, and Offending Across the Life-Course

Abstract

Existing research has shown varying patterns of childhood and adolescent antisocial behaviour (childhood onset, adolescent onset, and childhood limited) are related to ongoing problems in adulthood. Additional research has shown that offending and antisocial behaviour compromise opportunities for later life success. Guided by Farrington’s approach to examining life success, this paper will examine the extent to which early patterns of antisocial behaviour are related to life success in adulthood. Data are drawn from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy and its Outcomes; a longitudinal study of mother–child dyads from the pre-natal stage to 21 years of age. The offspring were also followed up at 30 years of age. The life success measure incorporates factors such as accommodation; cohabitation; employment; fights; alcohol use; drug use; and psychiatric problems. This paper focuses in particular on the offspring who were persistently antisocial and explores the mechanisms that lead to these various outcomes.

Authors

• Tara Renae McGee, Griffith University

• Li Eriksson, Griffith University

• Tyson Whitten, Griffith University

• Alexandra Clavarino, The University of Queensland

• Gail Williams, The University of Queensland

• Jake M. Najman, The University of Queensland