The British Journal of Psychiatry 146: 415-423 (1985)
© 1985 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Pairs of same-sexed siblings discordant for antisocial behaviour
M Reitsma-Street, DR Offord and T Finch
Seventy-one pairs of same-sexed biological adolescent siblings, discordant
for antisocial behaviour and service contact, were compared using
matched-pairs analyses along several dimensions which included
developmental, family, psychiatric, educational, cognitive, pro- and
antisocial behaviour. The antisocial youth had significantly more negative
perception and experiences than their siblings, who experienced more
protective influences. Earlier onset in the antisocial youth of activities
such as smoking also significantly differentiated the pairs. The early
temperament index alone correctly classified as proband and sibling 95% of
the youth, using discriminant analysis procedures. The findings are
relevant to the aetiology of antisocial behaviour and to possible treatment
interventions.
