The Components of Antisocial Behavior in Children

Related Factors

• Although any child might occasionally get into a fight, steal or tell a lie, true antisocial behavior is serious and likely to occur frequently over a period of at least six months. Some children may begin to display these behaviors as toddlers; the pattern may continue or get worse as the child gets older. Antisocial behavior often coexists with child abuse, according to the NIH. It is also more likely if the parents have problems with drug addiction or alcoholism. Family conflicts and poverty are often seen in connection with antisocial behavior.

A Continuum of Behavior

• Children who exhibit antisocial behavior may actually have a diagnosable medical condition such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder, according to the NIH. To some extent, these exist on a continuum, beginning with antisocial behavior. When the behavior persists or becomes more serious, it may meet the criteria for ODD. Typical ODD behaviors include frequent temper tantrums, refusing to follow rules, blaming other people for one̵7;s own behavior or mistakes, speaking harshly toward others or seeking revenge. Very severe antisocial behavior such as torturing animals, physically attacking others, intentionally setting fires or using weapons is generally considered to be conduct disorder rather than ODD, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

Genetics and Gender

• Genetics and gender both play a role in antisocial behavior, according to a May 2007 article in the ̶0;Journal of Abnormal Psychology.̶1; Boys are more likely than girls to display antisocial behaviors such as aggressive or criminal behavior, although there is no clear evidence that genetics has more of an impact on males than females with this condition. The researchers, who studied twins living in the same household, found that genetics is more important than environment for both boys and girls who exhibit antisocial behavior. A study reported in the 2010 ̶0;Journal of Social Psychology̶1; notes that 56 percent of antisocial personality and behavior disorders can be explained by genetic factors.

Developmental and Personality Issues

• Other factors that may be associated with antisocial behavior include strongly developed levels of negativity and pessimism, according to Boston Children̵7;s Hospital. Children with antisocial behavior problems may have had difficulty separating from their parents and may not have resolved normal developmental issues in their younger years. They may have experienced excessive punishment by parents or other authority figures, or had parents who were excessively permissive and did not set appropriate rules and boundaries. BCH also notes that a child̵7;s ingrained personality or temperamental characteristics may also affect antisocial behavior.