Experiences in prenatal life and early childhood that may cause personality disorders or criminal behavior in later life are examined in these proceedings of the Subcommittee on Childhood Experiences as Causes of Criminal Behavior, of the Standing Committee on Health, Welfare and Science, Senate of Canada. This issue, the fifth in a series of 19 hearings dating from November 1977 to July 1978, presents expert testimony by Brenda Wattie and Dr. Brian J. McConville. Wattie's presentation summarizes research findings on the relation between stress and genetic factors and child psychiatric disorder, and on protective factors which will assist the child to handle circumstances of difficulty or adversity. Dr. McConville's presentation discusses conditions and patterns of behavior in childhood which predict later antisocial and possible criminal behavior. These include genetic and constitutional factors, prenatal influences, damage during the period of birth, hyperactivity, inappropriate infant caretaking, and certain factors associated with social economic class. Dr. McConville also discusses prospects for intervention. Questions from subcommittee members focused on the role of religion, research priorities, coordination of research efforts and funding problems. Several recommendations for research are made by both witnesses. The text of the hearings is presented in both English and French. (Author/SS)