Beauchaine ontogenic process model of externalizing psychopathology a biosocial theory of crime and delinquency

•Trait impulsivity is the core biological vulnerability.•ADHD is an extreme expression of trait impulsivity.•ADHD is the first step in the antisocial pathway.•The pathway is ODD, CD, SUD, crime/delinquency.

PurposeLeading criminologists have observed that criminology has much to learn from the developmental psychopathology literature which traces the temperamental and developmental factors that give rise to conduct problems early in life.MethodsThis article reviewed and applied what is arguably the dominant biosocial theory in developmental psychopathology relevant to crime and delinquency — the Beauchaine Ontogenic Process Model of externalizing psychopathology.ResultsThe model is based on the finding from numerous studies that early-starting male antisocial behavior that tends to be life course persistent begins with temperamental trait impulsivity as the core predisposing biological vulnerability which is first manifested in preschool in its most extreme expression in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; followed by Oppositional Defiant Disorder in elementary school, development of Conduct Disorder in middle school, Substance Use Disorder in high school, and criminality in adulthood.ConclusionsPrevention of the development of the antisocial trajectory begins with the identification and treatment of preschool ADHD.