Psychopathic traits in adolescent offenders: an evaluation of criminal history, clinical, and psychosocial correlates

Abstract

Although a large body of research has established the relevance of psychopathy to adult offenders, its relevance to adolescent offenders is far less clear. The current study evaluated the clinical, psychosocial and criminal correlates of psychopathic traits in a sample of 226 male and female incarcerated adolescent offenders. According to an 18-item version of the Psychopathy Checklist-Youth Version (PCL-YV; Forth, Kosson, & Hare, 2003), only 9.4% exhibited a high level of psychopathic traits (PCL-YV>/=25). Consistent with past research, higher PCL-YV scores were positively associated with self-reported delinquency and aggressive behavior and were unrelated to emotional difficulties. Although higher PCL-YV scores were associated with the experience of physical abuse, the only psychosocial factor to predict PCL-YV scores was a history of non-parental living arrangements (e.g. foster care). In terms of criminality, a violent/versatile criminal history was positively associated with psychopathic traits. However, PCL-YV scores were unrelated to participants' official criminal records for total, non-violent, violent, and technical violation convictions. In conclusion, the data partially support the construct validity of psychopathy with adolescent offenders, but some inconsistencies with prior adult and adolescent psychopathy research were evident. These issues are discussed.

Violence Exposure Mediates the Relation Between Callous-Unemotional Traits and Offending Patterns in Adolescents

“…Several studies have since documented a link between psychopathic traits and childhood trauma. For example, in their seminal longitudinal study of 652 young adults, Weiler and Widom (1996) found that individuals with a legally documented history of childhood abuse/neglect were significantly more likely than a matched control sample of 489 individuals without a documented history of maltreatment to develop psychopathic traits and violent behavior approximately 20 years later (see also Bernstein, Stein, & Handelsman, 1998;Campbell, Porter, & Santor, 2004;Krischer & Sevecke, 2008). Similarly, developmental research indicates that trauma exposure (abuse, neglect) during toddlerhood is associated with early affective deficits consistent with CU traits, namely a lack of empathy and concern for others (Main & George, 1985).…”

Nipping psychopathy in the bud: an examination of the convergent, predictive, and theoretical utility of the PCL‐YV among adolescent girls

“…Indeed, researchers have cited the benefits of understanding the etiology of the disorder (Forth & Burke, 1998;Lynam, 1996), targeting interventions (Forth & Mailloux, 2000;Frick, Bodin, & Barry, 2000) and increasing case management efficiency (Campbell, Porter, & Santor, 2004;Corrado, Vincent, Hart, & Cohen, 2004) as a justification for extending the PCL-R to adolescents. But we should be careful that our desire to 'nip psychopathy in the bud' does not push our practice further than justified by empirical research.…”

Psychopathy and behavior problems: A comparison of incarcerated male and female juvenile delinquents

“…Results suggested that CU traits were associated with lower emotional distress and a specific social information-processing pattern. Campbell, Porter, and Santor (2004) evaluated the clinical, psychosocial and criminal correlates of psychopathic traits in a sample of 226 male and female incarcerated adolescent offenders. No significant differences were found between males and females regarding the PCL: YV scores.…”