Dimensions of youth psychopathy differentially predict concurrent pro- and antisocial behavior

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the unique contribution of narcissism and impulsivity, in addition to callousunemotional (CU) traits, in explaining concurrent prosocial and antisocial behavior. Method: Two hundred and forty-nine schoolchildren (53% female; age 9-12 years) completed the selfreport Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD). Two statistical models were tested, predicting conduct problems (CP) and prosocial behavior (PB). In the first one, CU traits and gender were entered into the equation. The second model added narcissism and impulsivity. Results: Gender, narcissism and impulsivity, but not CU, were statistically significant predictors of CP in the second model (F 3,226 = 45.07, p o 0.001, R 2 = 43.7%; betas: gender = -0.20, narcissism = 0.29, impulsivity = 0.36, CU = 0.06). PB was significantly predicted by all domains except gender (F 3,226 = 42.57, p o 0.001, R 2 = 42.4%; betas: gender = 0.08, narcissism = -0.16, impulsivity = -0.23, CU = -0.41). Conclusion: Our results confirmed that CU traits refer to a distinct manifestation of psychopathy in youth, but we also found that narcissism and impulsivity are equally important when predicting CP. Previous reports of sex differences on APSD and SDQ domains were also corroborated.Keywords: Child psychiatry; diagnosis and classification; personality disorders -cluster B (antisocialborderline-histrionic-narcissistic); violence/aggression; gender differences IntroductionChildren with dysfunctional levels of aggression and antisocial behavior may meet criteria for a diagnosis of conduct disorder (CD). CD is characterized by behavior that violates the rights of others or societal norms 1 and interferes with typical social and/or academic functioning. 2 The presence of conduct problems (CP) during childhood and adolescence places individuals at risk of serious outcomes such as delinquency, criminal involvement, substance misuse, relationship problems, and severe psychopathy.3 Within the most recent iteration of the DSM-5, the definition of CD has been developed to include a specifier to this diagnosis for those who also display limited prosocial emotions, such as deficits in empathy and in expression of guilt.2 These characteristics overlap with the concept of callous-unemotional (CU) traits.CU traits are a category of behavior characterized by persistent, negative acts intended to harm others, as well as the absence of emotional responsiveness and little to no empathy. In this sense, CU traits can be considered as a developmental precursor to psychopathy.1 To date, it has been proposed that CU traits may be associated with genetic, brain-based, and environmental factors, [4][5] which predispose a child to this particular and persistent interpersonal style. CU traits are typically associated with adverse outcomes such as increased CP, substance use, and risk-taking behaviors. Elevated levels of CU traits have been shown to delineate a group of individuals with more severe behavioral difficulties and with...

Construct validity of youth psychopathic traits as assessed by the Antisocial Process Screening Device.

“…CU, Narcissism, and Impulsivity are generally positively associated with most forms of externalizing psychopathology, both concurrently (Bijttebier & Decoene, 2009; Colins, Bijttebier, Broekaert, & Andershed, 2014; Goulter, Kimonis, & Heller, 2018; Neumann & Pardini, 2014; Wendt, Bartoli, & Arteche, 2017) and prospectively (Chauhan et al, 2014; Fanti, Kyranides, Lordos, Colins, & Andershed, 2018), although the magnitude of these associations varies across studies. In one study using a large community sample, the positive correlations of all three dimensions of psychopathy with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were similarly moderate to high (Frick et al, 2000).…”