The trajectories of externalizing behavior identified in our sample have interesting connections with the broader literature on antisocial behavior across development. Considerable literature exists on the differentiation between adolescent-limited and life-course–persistent antisocial behavior, a seminal developmental taxonomy proposed by Moffitt.53 This taxonomy differentiates individuals showing patterns of delinquency and more severe antisocial behavior, so we do not presuppose to make direct comparisons with the trajectories identified in our community-based sample. However, we note that there are interesting similarities that reflect aspects of Moffitt's observations on antisocial behavior. Moffitt suggested that some degree of externalizing behavior in adolescence is normative and hypothesized that this reflects a reaction to the maturity gap that exists as a result of the fact that puberty and biological maturation precede the granting of adult privileges and responsibilities.53 The majority class identified in our sample shows a pattern in which externalizing behavior is highest early in adolescence (though with mean levels still in the normal range), and there is a gradual decline in externalizing behavior as individuals age toward young adulthood. In addition, parallel to Moffitt's theory,
