Social and Biological Changes During Adolescence That Precipitate the Onset of Antisocial Behavior

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Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology

Abstract

The temporary spike in antisocial behavior that occurs during adolescence has led to the hypothesis that antisocial behavior may be a relatively normative and transient phenomenon of this developmental period. However, data indicate that antisocial behavior with adolescent onset does not arise independent of contextual risk, nor is it independent of adverse adult outcomes. In contrast, age of onset is likely a function of a continuum of risk. Adolescence represents a confluence of changes that can catalyze the onset of antisocial behavior for individuals at risk. These changes include physical and physiological manifestations of puberty, changes in neural function, re-prioritization of social goals, expanding social networks, and changes in family dynamics as parents and adolescents adjust to increasing autonomy needs. Many of these phenomena can be targeted through prevention and intervention programs that can effectively reduce the onset and/or severity of antisocial behavior.

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Gatzke-Kopp, L.M., DuPuis, D., Nix, R.L. (2013). Social and Biological Changes During Adolescence That Precipitate the Onset of Antisocial Behavior. In: O'Donohue, W., Benuto, L., Woodward Tolle, L. (eds) Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6633-8_28

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