Hay_et_al-2014-Developmental_Science.pdf (191.17 kB)
Precursors to aggression are evident by 6 months of age
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 18:19 authored by Dale F Hay, Cerith S Waters, Oliver Perra, Naomi Swift, Victoria Kairis, Rebecca Phillips, Roland Jones, Ian Goodyer, Gordon Harold, Anita Thapar, Stephanie van GoozenWe tested the hypothesis that developmental precursors to aggression are apparent in infancy. Up to three informants rated 301 firstborn infants for early signs of anger, hitting and biting; 279 (93%) were assessed again as toddlers. Informants' ratings were validated by direct observation at both ages. The precursor behaviours were significantly associated with known risk factors for high levels of aggressiveness. Individual differences were stable from early infancy to the third year and predicted broader conduct problems. These findings suggest that some individuals set forth on the trajectory to high levels of aggression by 6 months of age. The findings have implications for developmental studies of aggression, clinical prevention and intervention strategies, and theoretical considerations regarding the detection of precursors in different domains of development.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Developmental ScienceISSN
1363-755XPublisher
WileyExternal DOI
Issue
3Volume
17Page range
471-480Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2014-09-18First Open Access (FOA) Date
2016-07-27First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-07-27Usage metrics
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