Prenatal and Perinatal Complications as Predispositions to Externalizing Behavior

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ABSTRACT: There is an increasing body of evidence indicating that prenatal and perinatal factors predispose to externalizing behavior in the offspring. This paper first reviews recent empirical research on prenatal and perinatal complications and externalizing behavior. Brain dysfunction mechanisms are then discussed. It is suggested that (a) birth complications can cause brain damage and (b) brain damage can predispose to antisocial and violent behavior. Finally, the paper argues that prevention strategies using a multidisciplinary approach may help reduce prenatal and perinatal complications. In consequence, such strategies may also help reduce the likelihood of later externalizing behavior problems. KEY WORDS: prenatal and perinatal complications, birth complications, brain damage, externalizing behavior, antisocial behavior, violence, prevention. INTRODUCTION Studies on biological risk factors for antisocial behavior have increasingly received attention (Brennan, Grekin, & Mednick,

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