Self-efficacy as a proxy for childhood agency: The association between self-efficacy and social competence of children with transgressive and aggressive behavior problems

Children that show high levels of persistent aggressive and transgressive behavior have found to be at serious risk of exhibiting delinquent and criminal behavior during later adolescence and adulthood. However, a clear explanation of possible underlying neurocognitive mechanisms contributing to the increased risk of developing criminal behavior is lacking. Therefore, this thesis aims to contribute to, and encourage comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the issue of children at risk of later onset of criminal and delinquent behavior, and to offer insight into the most effective ways of promoting positive outcomes for both individual children and society. Specifically, in the current study self-efficacy served as a proxy for childhood agency, whereby the relation between self-efficacy, social competence, and the possible mediating role of Theory of Mind (ToM) was investigated. The data in this study was derived from a sample of 425 children, aged eight to twelve, from the Preventive...Show moreChildren that show high levels of persistent aggressive and transgressive behavior have found to be at serious risk of exhibiting delinquent and criminal behavior during later adolescence and adulthood. However, a clear explanation of possible underlying neurocognitive mechanisms contributing to the increased risk of developing criminal behavior is lacking. Therefore, this thesis aims to contribute to, and encourage comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the issue of children at risk of later onset of criminal and delinquent behavior, and to offer insight into the most effective ways of promoting positive outcomes for both individual children and society. Specifically, in the current study self-efficacy served as a proxy for childhood agency, whereby the relation between self-efficacy, social competence, and the possible mediating role of Theory of Mind (ToM) was investigated. The data in this study was derived from a sample of 425 children, aged eight to twelve, from the Preventive Intervention Trajectory (PIT) project. Overall, the results of the present study did not offer substantiation for the proposed mediation model. In addition, the comparative analysis of self-efficacy based on gender revealed a relatively equal distribution and there was no significant difference in mean self-efficacy scores between boys and girls. Total IQ did however show significant relations, as it was associated with higher ToM scores and less social problems. This finding is consistent with previous studies and suggests that intelligence should be taken into consideration in research and intervention of children with transgressive and aggressive behavior problems. The results do not necessarily rule out the underlying influences of self-efficacy, ToM, and social problems on transgression and aggression. More research is necessary to confirm the results of this study an identify the underlying neurocognitive constituents of childhood agency.Show less

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Self-efficacy as a proxy for childhood agency: The association between self-efficacy and social competence of children with transgressive and aggressive behavior problems