Developmental Patterns

Abstract

Age, period, and cohort effects, as described in Chapter 4, constitute one three-dimensional aspect of variation in delinquency and ADM problem behaviors over time. In this chapter, we consider three other aspects of temporal variation in delinquency and ADM problem behaviors. We begin by examining patterns of initiation (or onset) and suspension (or termination) of problem behavior. After that, we look at patterns of transition (escalation and de-escalation) within delinquency, drug use, and mental health problem types. Finally, we consider patterns of transition among the three types of problem behavior, with a special concern for the temporal order in which the problem behaviors occur.