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Male Life-Course Persistent Antisocial Behavior: A Review of Neurodevelopmental Factors

NCJ Number
228723
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 14 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2009 Pages: 348-358
Author(s)
Robert Eme
Date Published
October 2009
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the literature on the relationship between neurodevelopmental factors and life-course persistent antisocial behavior among males.
Abstract
Male life-course persistent (LCP) antisocial behavior is arguably the single most important child clinical problem for several reasons. First, LCP is the most widely accepted model for delineating pathways in the development of conduct problems. Second, the social cost of LCP is immense. Third, the financial cost is immense, and fourth, the sex ratio is immense as males are astonishingly 10 to 14 times more likely than females to develop LCP. The neurodevelopmental factors which contribute to this male predominance stem from the greater male vulnerability to inherited and acquired neurodevelopmental impairments. These neurodevelopmental impairments increase the risk for antisocial behavior. Drawing on findings of authoritative critical reviews of various domains, this paper discusses the neurodevelopmental factors that contribute to this greater male vulnerability, male life-course persistent antisocial behavior. Figure and references