Childhood Behavioral Problems and Dropping Out of School

This paper examines the relationship between early childhood behaviors and dropping out of high school. The results indicate that boys exhibiting externalizing behaviors are more likely to drop out of school. No relationship between externalizing behaviors and high school graduation is found for girls. In addition, we examine the relationship between externalizing behavior and adolescent behaviors and outcomes often associated with an increased risk of dropping out. A relationship exists for boys between externalizing behaviors and outcomes such as alcohol and drug use, but the association is weaker for girls.