Association between behaviour at age 3 years and adult criminality

Background The continuity in antisocial behaviour into adulthood from middl e childhood is well established but it is not clear whether this is also tr ue of the pre-school period. Aims To determine whether preschool behaviour problems increase the risk of later criminal convictions and add to risk associated with family and soci al circumstances. Method The records of adult conviction's were traced for a general populati on sample (n=828) initially assessed at age 3 years. Results The risk of having any adult conviction was related to soiling, day time enuresis, activity level and management difficulties, and that of havi ng an adult violent offence to recent-onset daytime enuresis, management di fficulties and temper tantrums. The only other predictors of later convicti ons were the child's gender and social competence at age 3 years. Conclusions The presence of specific behaviour problems in the pre-school p eriod places the child at increased risk of being convicted of an adult off ence. Family and social circumstances at age 3 years did not predict later convictions. Declaration of interest None.