Inhibitory Control in Late Childhood as a Predictor of Antisocial Behavior in Adolescence and the Role of Social Context.

Abstract

Understanding the factors contributing to adolescent antisocial behavior is crucial for effective interventions. Protracted development of cognitive control systems supporting inhibitory control may be linked to increases in adolescent antisocial behavior, suggesting the promotion of inhibitory control as a potential preventative strategy. Concurrently, social contextual factors, including peer relationships, parent-child dynamics, and the neighborhood environment, may exacerbate or buffer the risk posed by low inhibitory control. In a large, longitudinal sample of youth from racially and ethnically diverse low-income families (N = 731), we examined the association between inhibitory control (age 10.5) and antisocial behavior (age 14) and explored contextual factors (neighborhood, peer relationships, parent-child relationship) as potential moderators. Lastly, we investigated whether a randomized controlled trial of the Family Check-Up (FCU) intervention started at age 2 predicted a decreased youth report of antisocial behavior in adolescence via increased inhibitory control in late childhood. We found that lower inhibitory control in late childhood predicted increased antisocial behavior in adolescence. For youth with low inhibitory control, living in a dangerous neighborhood or associating more with deviant peers increased the risk for adolescent antisocial behavior. Finally, the FCU intervention indirectly reduced youth-reported adolescent antisocial behavior via enhancing inhibitory control in late childhood, and the indirect effect was strongest for youth in risky contexts (e.g., low parental knowledge and control). Although risky contexts can exacerbate individual risks related to deficits in inhibitory control, greater inhibitory control may be a protective factor. Additionally, early childhood interventions can improve inhibitory skills and decrease the risk of adolescent antisocial behavior, particularly for youth within risky contexts.