Conduct Problems Onset: Risk Assessment

Which of the following statements is probably true?

a) Jake is at lower risk for long-term behavior problems.

b) Thomas is at lower risk for delinquency.

c) Both Jake and Thomas are at equal risk for conduct problems.

d) Jake is at higher risk for delinquency.

Final answer:

Based on research, it's likely true that Jake, who experienced conduct problems in childhood, is at higher risk for delinquency. Thomas, who started having conduct problems during adolescence, may be dealing more with common teenage struggles rather than inherent behavioral issues.

Considering the onset of conduct issues, it is probably true that: Jake is at higher risk for delinquency. Several longitudinal studies demonstrate that early onset of behavioral problems, such as the ones Jake experienced in childhood, frequently correlate with long-term behavioral issues and a greater risk for delinquency. This is because children who present conduct problems at a younger age often come from problematic home environments or have physiological tendencies towards antisocial behavior.

On the contrary, Thomas's conduct problems began in adolescence, which might be related more to the tumultuous period of teenage years rather than deep-seated behavioral issues. Therefore, while both boys have exhibited conduct problems, the potential risk for long-term behavioral issues or delinquency is typically higher in children who demonstrate these problems at an earlier age, like Jake.