The subjects of the study were three groups of adolescents, all of whom participated in a residential treatment program for emotionally disturbed children. One group was characterized as aggressive and violent, and was compared with two other groups with regard to four predictive indicators: organic problems, family problems, conduct disordered behaviors, and academic achievement problems. Data were gathered from childhood treatment records. Significant differences were found between the aggressive group and the comparison groups for all four predictors. The aggressive yhouth, as a group, exhibit a significantly greater number of conduct-disordered behaviors, developmentally related organic factors, and academic problems prior to age 9 than the comparison subjects in the other two groups. It appears that the aggressive youth come from family situations characterized by numerous problems, such as physical violence and involvement in legal-correctional system. They also exhibit academic problems with greater frequency than the other groups. Implications for early identification and treatment are discussed. 4 tables and 25 references. (Author abstract modified)