A Selective Review of the Risk Factors for Antisocial Behavior across the Transition to Adulthood

Joanne Savage, Stephanie K. Ellis, Kathryn Kozey

Department of Justice, Law and Society, American University, Washington DC, USA.
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Marymount University, Arlington, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/psych.2013.46A2001                

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the theory and research on a select set of risk factors for continuity in antisocial behavior across the transition to adulthood. Several risk factors (e.g., early onset, intelligence, marriage, employment) are based on Moffitt’s dual taxonomy and the age-graded theory of social control. In addition, we also review studies of impulsivity, school enrollment, educational attainment, academic achievement, abuse victimization, social support, poverty, deviant peers, drug and alcohol abuse, and criminal justice intervention.

Keywords

Transition to Adulthood; Risk Factors; Antisocial Behavior; Crime; Marriage

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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