Stability in Behavior From Childhood Through Adulthood

Of all the known correlates to criminal behavior, perhaps the most consistent is the association between childhood antisocial behavior and later-life criminal involvement. A large body of empirical research has revealed that very aggressive children that show other signs of developmentally inappropriate behaviors might be at risk for engaging in crime in adulthood. This link between behavior in childhood and adulthood is known as stability. Stability studies in criminal behavior have been at the forefront of criminological scholarship. Although many agree that criminal behavior may be stable from childhood through adulthood, there is significant debate surrounding the factors that cause behavioral stability across the life course.

Moreover, there is concern related to how this information should be used. For example, if behavior in childhood is related to behavior in adulthood, should interventions be applied to very young children? If so, could that lead to a labeling effect or self-fulfilling prophecy? Regardless of these debates, the evidence suggests that serious, violent adult criminals seem to have a history of aggressive behavior dating back to childhood.

For this Discussion, consider whether childhood behavior should be used to predict adult criminal behavior.

With these thoughts in mind: Post your position on whether childhood behavior should be used to predict adult criminal behavior. Justify your position. Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.