Trajectories of Deviant Peer Association During Late Childhood Through Middle Adolescence: A Case for Extending the Dual Systems Model to Childhood

Deviant peer association is a robust risk factor for offending, but limited research has examined development of this construct across the life-course. Research has examined this development during the adolescent years. This study sought to examine childhood dual systems imbalance (high sensation-seeking paired with low impulse control) as a predictor of deviant peer association from late childhood through middle adolescence. The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development data were analyzed. Group-based trajectory modeling identified developmental patterns of deviant peer association. Logistic regression examined dual systems imbalance in childhood as a predictor of development. Findings indicated that a two-group model fit the data (Low Increasing; High Increasing). Greater dual systems imbalance predicted greater risk of assignment to the High Increasing deviant peers group.