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. 2010 Dec;44(6):729-733.
doi: 10.1016/j.jrp.2010.08.008.

Course of Antisocial Behavior during Emerging Adulthood: Developmental Differences in Personality

Daniel M Blonigen  1 , Andrew K Littlefield, Brian M Hicks, Kenneth J Sher
Affiliations

Course of Antisocial Behavior during Emerging Adulthood: Developmental Differences in Personality

Daniel M Blonigen et al. J Res Pers. 2010 Dec.

Abstract

Despite similar normative changes in antisocial behavior (AB) and traits of disinhibition and negative emotionality during "emerging adulthood," few studies have tested if there are developmental differences in personality over this period for distinct courses of AB. In a college cohort assessed at ages 18 and 25, we examined if mean-level changes on traits from the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire varied by course of AB. Compared to persisters, those who desisted in AB from 18 to 25 exhibited a larger decrease on novelty seeking and larger increase on reward dependence. A significant mean-level decline was observed for harm avoidance, but was unrelated to AB course. Findings support theories of the co-development of personality and AB during emerging adulthood.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mean-level Changes in Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance, and Reward Dependence by Antisocial Behavior Group.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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