Final answer:
The statement is false; early behavioral problems increase the risk of delinquency. Research has shown a link between aggressive, antisocial, and hyperactive behavior in childhood and later delinquency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. Children who show aggressive, antisocial, and hyperactive behavior at an early age are actually more likely to show delinquent behavior in adolescence. Research has found that these early behavioral problems are risk factors for later delinquency and antisocial behavior.
Various studies have shown the link between early behavioral problems and later delinquency. For example, a study by Marshal and Molina (2006) found that antisocial behaviors moderate the deviant peer pathway to substance use in children with ADHD, suggesting that aggressive and antisocial behaviors in childhood are related to later substance abuse and delinquency.
Additionally, a longitudinal study by Molina and Pelham (2003) found that childhood predictors of adolescent substance abuse included hyperactivity and impulsivity.
It's important to note that while early behavioral problems may increase the risk of delinquency, it does not mean that all children with these behaviors will engage in delinquent behavior. Various other factors, such as environment and parenting, can also influence outcomes.