A boy who hits at age three, shoplifts at age ten, commits burglary at age 19 and rapes at 26 would be considered a(n):
A) life-course persistent offender.
B) ADHD offender.
C) adolescent-limited offender.
D) antisocial offender.
E) incorrigible delinquent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pattern of offending behavior displayed by the individual in the scenario is consistent with that of a life-course persistent offender. Life-course persistent offenders begin displaying problem behaviors in early childhood and continue throughout their lives, with their offending behavior escalating as they age. These individuals often have developmental problems that contribute to their persistent offending, such as impulsivity, aggression, and poor social skills. The fact that the individual in the scenario began engaging in problem behaviors at such an early age and continued to escalate his offending over time is consistent with the characteristics of a life-course persistent offender.

A Boy Who Hits at Age Three, Shoplifts at Age