ABSTRACT
This chapter summarises research findings on genetic and physiological characteristics, neurological and neuropsychological functioning, psychological development and person-environment interaction as correlates and causes of disruptive child behaviours. Studies on neuroendocrine functioning in disruptive individuals have mainly focused on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis regulates the secretion of cortisol, the main stress hormone. Executive functioning reflects how individuals solve problems, rather than whether they have acquired knowledge of problem solving. Proactive aggression is controlled rather than impulsive and there is evidence that proactively aggressive individuals are less likely to show unstable affect. Problems in social relationships, especially with parents and peers, are consistently found in studies of children with problem behaviours. Peer relations become increasingly important in the course of childhood and provide vital stimulation for socio-emotional development. Negative parent-child and child-peer relationships are closely linked to the development of children's disruptive behaviours.
