Overt and covert dimensions of antisocial behavior in early childhood

The present study was designed to assess both the prevalence and structure of antisocial behavior in a normative sample of preschoolers. Prevalence es timates suggested that 40% of preschoolers exhibit at least one antisocial behavior each day. Furthermore, 10% of preschoolers exhibit six or more ant isocial behaviors each day. Consistent with research based on older childre n, factor analyses provided support for conceptualizing antisocial behavior in early childhood as consisting of both overt and covert dimensions. Whil e both overt and covert behaviors had acceptable test-retest reliability, o nly overt behaviors had acceptable interrater reliability. Finally both ove rt and covert dimensions of antisocial behavior were uniquely related to ge neral measures of conduct problems, hyperactivity, and adult and peer confl ict in the classroom setting. Findings are discussed with regard to early a ssessment and the developmental course of antisocial behavior.