Developmental sequences in disruptive behavior from childhood to adole
scence are traced retrospectively and prospectively in two community s
amples of boys. Three developmental pathways are distinguished: (a) an
early authority conflict pathway, consisting in sequence of stubborn
behavior, defiance, and authority avoidance; (b) a covert pathway, con
sisting of minor covert behaviors, property damage, and moderate to se
rious forms of delinquency; and (c) an overt pathway, consisting of ag
gression, fighting, and violence. The overlap among the three disrupti
ve pathways is examined. Those boys who escalated in the overt pathway
were more likely to escalate in the covert pathway than boys escalati
ng in the covert pathway showing an escalation in the overt pathway. E
scalation in the authority conflict pathway was not associated with es
calation in either the overt or the covert pathways. Boys' rate of sel
f-reported delinquency was highest for those in triple pathways (cover
t-overt-authority conflict) or in certain dual pathways (covert-overt,
covert-authority conflict). However, by age 16 the highest rate of of
fending was displayed by those in the triple pathways. The rate of vio
lent offenses was also highest for those in the triple pathways and fo
r those in the overt and covert pathways. Results from the rate for co
urt petitions largely supported these findings. Lowest rates of offend
ing were observed for boys in the overt and authority conflict pathway
s. Implications are discussed for clinical practice and future researc
h.