Correct option is D
The correct answer is Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
1. Statement I is incorrect because life-course persistent antisocial behavior typically begins in childhood, not adulthood, and continues throughout life. It is a pattern of early-onset antisocial conduct, as described by Terrie Moffitt's Developmental Taxonomy. It is not something that begins only in adulthood.
2. Statement II is correct. According to Moffitt's theory, adolescence-limited antisocial behavior is common and temporary. It emerges during teen years due to a maturity gap—a disconnect between biological maturity and social role expectations. Such behavior often declines as the individual transitions into adulthood.
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Moffitt’s Developmental Taxonomy of Antisocial Behaviour
1. Life-Course Persistent Antisocial Behaviour:
Begins in early childhood and persists across lifespan.
Characterized by neurological and environmental factors (e.g., poor parenting, neuropsychological deficits).
Individuals display consistent aggression, rule-breaking, and social maladjustment over time.
2. Adolescence-Limited Antisocial Behaviour:
Begins in teenage years and ends in early adulthood.
Triggered by maturity gap and desire for adult privileges.
Often peer-influenced, temporary, and less pathological in nature.
3. Maturity Gap Explanation:
Adolescents feel biologically mature but are socially restricted, leading to rebellion and rule-breaking to emulate adult behavior.
4. Implications:
Differentiating between life-course persistent and adolescence-limited behaviors is important for intervention strategies.
Life-course persistent requires early intervention, while adolescence-limited behavior may not need clinical attention.
5. Importance in Developmental Psychology:
This theory provides a developmental perspective on antisocial behaviour, linking age-related trajectories with environmental and cognitive factors.