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Pairs of Same-Sexed Siblings Discordant for Antisocial Behaviour

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Marge Reitsma-Street*
Affiliation:
Child and Family Centre, Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals, Box 2000, Station A, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
David R. Offord
Affiliation:
McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
Terri Finch
Affiliation:
Formerly Department of Psychiatry, McMaster University; presently Association of Agencies for Treatment and Development, 499 King St. E., Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1E1, Canada
*
Correspondence

Summary

Seventy-one pairs of same-sexed biological adolescent siblings, discordant for antisocial behaviour and service contact, were compared using matched-pairs analyses along several dimensions which included developmental, family, psychiatric, educational, cognitive, pro- and antisocial behaviour. The antisocial youth had significantly more negative perceptions and experiences than their siblings, who experienced more protective influences. Earlier onset in the antisocial youth of activities such as smoking also significantly differentiated the pairs. The early temperament index alone correctly classified as proband and sibling 95% of the youth, using discriminant analysis procedures. The findings are relevant to the aetiology of antisocial behaviour and to possible treatment interventions.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1985 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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