Disruptive Behaviour in School, Personality Characteristics and Heart Rate (HR) Levels in 7‐ to 9‐year‐old Boys

Abstract

Disruptive behaviour, as assessed by teachers, is reported as being consistently related to low base heart rates and low reactivity to mild stress. To date, most investigations have used mainstream school samples of boys within the 11‐16 age range approximately. It has been suggested that the predicted low base heart rates for antisocial children may be reversed in younger children. Present findings do not confirm such a trend in boys aged 7 to 9 years. Their responses were similar to those of older children. The implications for further research and the management of children in school are discussed.