Life course persisters are characterized by which of the following patterns of behavior?

Life course persisters are individuals who exhibit a pattern of early onset of delinquent behavior that continues into adulthood. This pattern often indicates a persistent engagement in criminal activities over an extended period, rather than sporadic or short-lived involvement. Research in criminology has shown that those who begin offending at a young age and maintain that trajectory throughout their lives tend to face various social, psychological, and environmental challenges that contribute to this continuous pattern of behavior.

This ongoing involvement in delinquency sets them apart from those who may start offending later in life or those who may engage in minimal criminal activity before conforming to societal norms. Life course persisters reflect a significant concern in juvenile justice and public policy, as they often become entrenched in criminal behavior, leading to severe implications for themselves and society as a whole.