Abstract
The current study employed model-based cluster analysis in a sample of male adolescent offenders (n = 94) to examine subtypes based on psychopathic traits and anxiety. Using the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV; Forth et al. 2003) and the self-report Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD; Caputo et al. 1999), analyses identified three clusters in males that varied in the severity of psychopathic traits (low, moderate, and high) and anxiety. The high psychopathic group exhibited more negative personality traits and was judged to be at greater risk for dangerousness whereas the low psychopathic group exhibited more positive personality traits and was judged to be at lower risk for dangerousness. Implications regarding potential developmental differences between adolescent and adult psychopathy, as well as treatment considerations are discussed.
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Notes
Analyses were also conducted controlling for risk of reoffending. There were no significant differences across the PCL:YV groups, p = 0.32.
Analyses were also conducted controlling for risk of reoffending. There were no significant differences across the APSD groups, p = 0.40.
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Funding for this study was provided by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Postdoctoral Fellowship awarded to the first author and a pilot fund from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) awarded to the second author. We would like to thank Franz Kubak, Jana Mullins, Crystal Schrum, and Alecia Zalot for their assistance with data collection. We are also grateful to Norman Poythress for his assistance with statistical analyses.
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Lee, Z., Salekin, R.T. & Iselin, AM.R. Psychopathic Traits in Youth: Is There Evidence for Primary and Secondary Subtypes?. J Abnorm Child Psychol 38, 381–393 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-009-9372-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-009-9372-7