As a child, David was negative, restless, willful, and physically aggressive. By age 8, he was already engaging in petty theft. Jason was a happy child who did well in school but began displaying antisocial behavior around age 13, and gradually moved to more severe delinquent acts. Which statement is true? "

a. David will likely outgrow his delinquent behavior by middle adolescence.

b. Jason is at higher risk for leading a life-course pattern of aggression and criminality.

c. David is at higher risk for leading a life-course pattern of aggression and criminality.

d. David and Jason are at equal risk for leading a life-course pattern of criminality.

c)

Explanation:

In psychology, antisocial behaviors refer to disruptive acts characterized by covert and overt hostility and intentional aggression toward others.

These behaviors include violations of social rules, defiance of authority and of the rights of others, theft, and disregard for self and others.

When it comes to a prognosis, research has found that antisocial conduct problems earlier on life are more likely to result in the development of chronic antisocial behavior than if the disruptive behavior begins in adolescence.

In the example we have David who by age 8 was already engaging in petty theft and was aggressive since he was a child. On the other hand, Jason began displaying antisocial behavior around age 13 (adolescence). According to researchers, David is at a higher risk for leading a life-course pattern of aggression and criminality since he started having antisocial behaviors earlier on life.

Thus, the correct answer is c)