Is there an association between lateral preference and delinquent behavior?

Article Abstract:

Left-handedness has historically had certain negative implications. The Latin world for left-sided is 'sinister' and left-handed individuals were once thought to have been unlucky. The relationship between lateral preference and various mental disorders has been examined in recent years and some studies have found an association between lateral preference and antisocial and delinquent behavior. The results of other studies have not substantiated this relationship. To better clarify the relationship, if any, between lateral preference and delinquency, a group of children were assessed for lateral preferences of hand and foot use. The children were initially tested at age seven for lateral preference. Follow-up evaluations were performed at ages 13 and 15 using self-reported delinquency and problem behavior scores based on parent reports. The distribution of lateral preference was not related to sex. Of the 954 children who were initially tested, 85 percent had a right-hand preference, 7 percent had a left preference, and 8 percent were ambidextrous. Seventy-four percent of the children favored the use of the right foot, 9 percent favored the left, and 17 percent had a mixed preference of foot use. This distribution was similar to what has been observed in the general population. Follow-up data for delinquency was available for 850 of the sample members at 13 or 15 years of age. Of this group, 11 percent were categorized as delinquent. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent factors involved. The results indicated there was no significant association between the children who were delinquent and those with a lateral hand or foot preference. No support for the hypothesis that links lateral preference and delinquent behavior was found. It is suggested that increased cultural acceptance of individual preferences may be related to the lack of antisocial behaviors in the lateral preference group. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Criminal behavior, Prediction of, Prediction of criminal behavior, Causes of, Genetic aspects, Behavior disorders in children, Childhood mental disorders, Juvenile delinquency, Left- and right-handedness, Handedness

---

Personality traits in late adolescence predict mental disorders in early adulthood: a prospective-epidemiological study

Article Abstract:

A longitudinal approach was used to assess the prospective relations between mental disorders and personality traits. The subject of the study was a representative birth cohort of men and women in their late adolescence and early adulthood from Dunedin, New Zealand. The results of the personality traits assessment suggested that mental disorders in early adulthood can be predicted by personality traits in late adolescence.

Analysis, Young adults, Teenagers, Youth, Mental illness, Mental disorders, Personality, Personality (Psychology)

---

Do partners agree about abuse in their relationship? A psychometric evaluation of interpartner agreement

Article Abstract:

A study is conducted to determine whether domestic partners provide similar reports of physical and psychological abuse in their relationship. Results show that the agreement between reported behaviors ranged from poor to fair. However, agreement improves when items are aggregated into scales and when measurement errors are eliminated. Victims also report more abuse compared to perpetrators.

Domestic relations, Family relations, Interpersonal conflict, Crimes against the person, Offenses against the person

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: A genetically informed study of the association between harsh punishment and offspring behavioral problems. The role of the children of twins design in elucidating causal relations between parent characteristics and child outcomes
• Abstracts: Is there a relationship between bulimia nervosa and hazardous alcohol use? Are there subgroups of bulimia nervosa based on comorbid psychiatric disorders?
• Abstracts: The developmental association between eating disorders symptoms and symptoms of depression and anxiety in juvenile twin girls
• Abstracts: Suggested recommendations for the study of suicide and other life-threatening behaviors. Postscript: summary and synthesis
• Abstracts: Connections between neuroscientists from Europe and Latin America reinforced. Deciding what to do next

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.