Citation

Alink LRA, Mesman J, van Zeijl J, Stolk MN, Juffer F, Koot HM, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, van Ijzendoorn MH. Child Dev. 2006; 77(4): 954-966.

Affiliation

Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1467-8624.2006.00912.x

PMID

16942499

Abstract

This study examines the prevalence, stability, and development of physical aggression, as reported by mothers and fathers, in a sample of children initially recruited at 12, 24, and 36 months (N=2,253) and in a subsample followed up 1 year later (n=271) in a cross-sequential design. Physical aggression occurred in 12-month-olds, but significantly more often in 24- and 36-month-olds. The rates of physically aggressive behaviors increased in the 2nd year of life, and declined from the 3rd birthday onward. Stabilities were moderate for 12-month-olds and high for 24- and 36-month-olds. At the ages of 24 and 36 months, boys were more aggressive than girls. The results confirm and extend R.E. Tremblay's (2004) hypothesis about the early development of physical aggression.

Language: en