Home > Research > Publications & Outputs > Joint Developmental Trajectories of Conduct Pro...

Links

Text available via DOI:

View graph of relations

Joint Developmental Trajectories of Conduct Problems and Hyperactivity/Inattention: Antecedent Risk Markers for Group Membership

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

E-pub ahead of print
  • H.M.A. Ross
  • L.-C. Girard
Close
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>1/11/2023
<mark>Journal</mark>Child psychiatry and human development
Publication StatusE-pub ahead of print
Early online date1/11/23
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

This study investigated joint trajectories of conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention from age three to nine in a cohort of 7,507 children in Ireland (50.3% males; 84.9% Irish). The parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to collect information on conduct problems (CP) and hyperactivity/inattention (HI). Information regarding risk markers was collected when participants were nine-months-old via parent report and standardised assessments. Using a person-centred approach (i.e., group-based multi trajectory modelling), six trajectories were identified: no CP/low HI, low-stable CP/HI, low-declining CP/stable HI, desisting co-occurring CP/HI, pure-increasing HI, and high chronic co-occurring CP/HI. Specific risk markers for group membership included: male sex; birth complications; perceived difficult temperament; lower primary caregiver age and education level, and higher stress level; prenatal exposure to smoking, and indicators of lower socioeconomic status. Primary caregiver-child bonding and having siblings were protective markers against membership in elevated groups. Results suggest support for both ‘pure’ HI and co-occurring trajectories of CP and HI emerging in toddlerhood. However, no support was found for a ‘pure’ CP trajectory, which may support the suggestion that children on a persistent CP trajectory will have coexisting HI. Intervention efforts may benefit from starting early in life and targeting multiple risk markers in families with fewer resources.