Hood et al. (2003) analyze anti-social behavior dynamics as they manifest in different age groups. At the beginning of the chapter, the authors espouse that youths are an age group that has been associated with homicides for a long time. The authors analyze the mental health of children predisposed to bullying and the influences that affect youths and adolescents in low income neighborhoods. Some of the factors mentioned that influence children’s anti-social behaviors are domestic violence and television. Additionally, behavior influencers among adults and young children are also analyzed. The different approaches to preventing anti-social behavior are given an in-depth analysis. Intervention starts when high-risk children are identified and the necessary precautions put in place while they are young enough. An important point by the authors is that behavior problems remain stable if the essential interventions are not instituted. Even when an infant is born with a difficult temperament, early intervention is likely to influence a turnaround. The prevention of anti-social behavior requires multifaceted approaches. The authors assert that collaborative efforts go a long way to ensure negative behavioral traits are prevented. While the social aspects of the intervention are emphasized, the economic factors are also given an in-depth analysis. The author espouses that neighborhood intervention is an essential solution. Schools should also be proactive in preventing anti-social behavior (Hood et al., 2003). The author also explores the possibility of increased income as a strategy that could reduce violence among some households, especially low-income homes. In terms of treatment, there are harmful treatment approaches, and others enhance positive behavioral changes. The authors suggest home-based treatment, school-based treatment, and other programs suitable for different age groups. As Ennis et al. (2016) espouse, one of the implications of anti-social behavior is the criminalization of individuals with particular anti-social behavior. While in mental health courts, individuals who commit crimes due to anti-social behavior and negative social influences receive mental health intervention; sometimes, such individuals are criminalized and jailed yet could not be sane enough to stand trial. Thus, early intervention before individuals portray harmful behavior is necessary before youths or adults engage in conduct that could land them in incarceration.
References
Ennis, A. R., McLeod, P., Watt, M. C., Campbell, M. A., & Adams-Quackenbush, N. (2016). The role of gender in mental health court admission and completion. Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice , 58 (1), 1-30.
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Hood, C., & Lawrence, J. (2003). Antisocial and Violent Youth, Volume II (Vol. 2). Centre for Addiction and Mental Health= Centre de toxicomanie et de santé mentale.
