Early social interactions. In early to middle childhood, children who show high levels of
oppositional behavior and aggression may experience negative reactions from teachers and peers. This
may also lead to problematic ways of processing social information, such as relying on aggressive
solutions in problem solving when presented with social conflicts, expecting that aggressive solutions
will work, and having difficulties interpreting social information accurately (such as attributing neutral
behaviors by others as hostile). Aggressive children are at risk for many academic problems and, as their
academic progress and social bond to school weakens (owing to problematic exchanges with teachers
and peers), they become more vulnerable to influences from deviant peer groups.