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Allen CH, Gullapalli AR, Milillo M, Ulrich DM, Rodriguez SN, Maurer JM, Aharoni E, Anderson NE, Harenski CL, Vincent GM, Kiehl KA. Psychopathy Scores Predict Recidivism in High-risk Youth: A Five-year Follow-up Study. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024; 52:1089-1103. [PMID: 38407775 PMCID: PMC11217095 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-024-01169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Psychopathic traits have been associated with rearrest in adolescents involved in the criminal legal system. Much of the prior work has focused on White samples, short follow-up windows, and relatively low-risk youth. The current study aimed to evaluate the utility of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) for predicting general and violent felony recidivism in a large sample of high-risk, predominantly Hispanic/Latino, male adolescents (n = 254) with a five-year follow-up period. Results indicated higher PCL:YV scores and lower full-scale estimated IQ scores were significantly associated with a shorter time to felony and violent felony rearrest. These effects generalized to Hispanic/Latino adolescents (n = 193)-a group that faces disproportionate risk of being detained or committed to juvenile correctional facilities in the U.S. These results suggest that expert-rated measures of psychopathic traits and IQ are reliable predictors of subsequent felony and violent felony rearrest among high-risk male adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey H Allen
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106-4188, USA.
| | - Aparna R Gullapalli
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106-4188, USA
| | - Michaela Milillo
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106-4188, USA
| | - Devin M Ulrich
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106-4188, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois - Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Samantha N Rodriguez
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106-4188, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - J Michael Maurer
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106-4188, USA
| | - Eyal Aharoni
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 5010, Atlanta, GA, 30302-5010, USA
| | | | - Carla L Harenski
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106-4188, USA
| | - Gina M Vincent
- Department of Psychiatry, Law & Psychiatry Program and Implementation Science & Practices Advances Research Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 222 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury, MA, 01545, USA
| | - Kent A Kiehl
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106-4188, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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2
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Oh Y, Baek JH, Joung YS. Intelligence-Dependent Differential Effects of Media Exposure on Executive Function Changes in Children: A Population-Based Cohort Study With a Longitudinal Design. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e411. [PMID: 38084030 PMCID: PMC10713440 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive media use is known to be associated with executive dysfunction in children, but it's unclear whether this exposure can lead to long-term changes of executive function. This study aimed to investigate the association between media exposure and longitudinal changes in executive function within a population-based study, while considering the potential influence of intelligence. METHODS This study used data from 1,209 participants in the Panel Korea Study for Children. The children's media exposure was measured at ages 7 and 8, and executive function was evaluated annually from ages 7 to 10 using the Executive Function Difficulty Screening Questionnaire. Participants were grouped by media exposure level (low, medium, or high), and longitudinal changes in executive function were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. Subgroup analysis was conducted to investigate how executive function changes varied based on intelligence within each media exposure group. RESULTS Children with high media exposure (n = 97) had severer executive function difficulties than those with low (n = 141) or medium (n = 971) exposure in all waves. The high exposure group demonstrated persistent higher executive function difficulties up to age 10 after controlling for child gender, intelligence, parental education level and maternal depression. Children with intelligence quotient (IQ) ≤ 100 in the medium to high media exposure group had significantly more severe executive function difficulties than those with IQ > 100. CONCLUSION This study provided evidence of a longitudinal negative association between media exposure and executive function. The findings suggest that excessive media exposure may lead to long-term changes in executive function in children and highlight the importance of implementing targeted interventions and educational strategies to mitigate the potential negative effects of excessive media use, particularly for children with lower cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhye Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Baek
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoo-Sook Joung
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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3
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Etzler S, Rettenberger M, Rohrmann S. A Moderated Mediation Analysis to Further Examine the Role of Verbal Intelligence in the Association Between Psychopathic Personality and Crime. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2023; 67:1509-1525. [PMID: 36896959 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x231159877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined the association between psychopathy, criminal behavior, and the role of verbal intelligence. One promising approach is to examine alternative links between psychopathic traits and criminality like moderation and mediation effects by considering the potential relevance of verbal intelligence as a possible moderating variable. We hypothesized that psychopathic traits linearly predict antisocial behavior (ASB) but that a conviction because of ASB is moderated by verbal intelligence. To test a path model of this hypothesis, N = 305 participants (42% women; n = 172 inmates of German correctional facilities) filled in questionnaires to assess psychopathic traits, ASB, criminal behavior, and verbal intelligence. The moderated mediation analysis revealed that high psychopathic traits go along with a higher number of ASB, whereas individuals with higher verbal intelligence were more likely to evade detection, thus being more successful in their antisocial acts. These results sheds further light on the construct of adaptive psychopathy, supporting the notion that also non-incarcerated psychopathic individuals act highly antisocial. Only separate factors like verbal intelligence might mitigate negative consequences. Further implications for the concept of successful psychopathy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Etzler
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany
- Centre for Criminology (Kriminologische Zentralstelle - KrimZ), Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Martin Rettenberger
- Centre for Criminology (Kriminologische Zentralstelle - KrimZ), Wiesbaden, Germany
- Johannes Gutenberg-University (JGU), Mainz, Germany
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Rima D, Atakhanova S, Mukhamadieva G, Adlet Y, Beaver KM. Involvement in Crime and Delinquency and the Development of Technological and Computer Skills: A Longitudinal Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2023; 67:164-183. [PMID: 34612060 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x211049195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A body of research has revealed that involvement in crime and delinquency is associated with a wide number of social, economic, and health consequences. The current study built off this knowledge base and examined whether measures of adolescent violent delinquency and contact with the criminal justice system were related to the access of basic, and experience with, technology, and computers. To do so, longitudinal data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) were analyzed. The results revealed that self-reported violent delinquency in adolescence was associated with a decreased probability of owning a computer and having an email account 10 to 12 years into the future. Additionally, measures of contact with the criminal justice system, low self-control, delinquent peers, and governmental public assistance were also associated with the probability of owning a computer and having an email account.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yergali Adlet
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Kevin M Beaver
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, USA
- King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Identification of a Pre-Employment Psychological Evaluation Marker for Predicting Police Candidates Who Receive Racial and Excessive Force Complaints. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-022-10003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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6
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Hofhansel L, Weidler C, Clemens B, Habel U, Votinov M. Personal insult disrupts regulatory brain networks in violent offenders. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:4654-4664. [PMID: 36124828 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The failure to adequately regulate negative emotions represents a prominent characteristic of violent offenders. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we used technical, nonsocial frustration to elicit anger in violent offenders (n = 19) and then increased the provocation by adding personal insults (social provocation). The aim was to investigate neural connectivity patterns involved in anger processing, to detect the effect of increasing provocation by personal insult, and to compare anger-related connectivity patterns between offenders and noncriminal controls (n = 12). During technical frustration, the offenders showed increased neural connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex compared to the controls. Conversely, personal insults, and thus increased levels of provocation, resulted in a significant reduction of neural connectivity between regions involved in cognitive control in the offenders but not controls. We conclude that, when (nonsocially) frustrated, offenders were able to employ regulatory brain networks by displaying stronger connectivity between regulatory prefrontal and limbic regions than noncriminal controls. In addition, offenders seemed particularly sensitive to personal insults, which led to increased implicit aggression (by means of motoric responses) and reduced connectivity in networks involved in cognitive control (including dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, precuneus, middle/superior temporal regions).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Hofhansel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-10), Research Center Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Strase 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Carmen Weidler
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Clemens
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ute Habel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-10), Research Center Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Strase 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Mikhail Votinov
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-10), Research Center Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Strase 52428 Jülich, Germany
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7
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Abstract
Who commits crime? Theoretically, risk-tolerant and impatient people are more likely to commit crime because they care less about the risks of apprehension and punishment. By linking experimental data on risk tolerance and impatience of young men to administrative crime records, we find empirical support for this hypothesis. For example, crime rates are 8 to 10 percentage points higher for the most risk-tolerant people compared to the most risk averse. A theoretical implication is that those who are most prone to commit crime are also those who are least responsive to stricter law enforcement. Risk tolerance and impatience significantly predict property crime, while self-control is a stronger predictor of crimes of passion (violent, drug, and sexual offenses). Understanding who commits crime and why is a key topic in social science and important for the design of crime prevention policy. In theory, people who commit crime face different social and economic incentives for criminal activity than other people, or they evaluate the costs and benefits of crime differently because they have different preferences. Empirical evidence on the role of preferences is scarce. Theoretically, risk-tolerant, impatient, and self-interested people are more prone to commit crime than risk-averse, patient, and altruistic people. We test these predictions with a unique combination of data where we use incentivized experiments to elicit the preferences of young men and link these experimental data to their criminal records. In addition, our data allow us to control extensively for other characteristics such as cognitive skills, socioeconomic background, and self-control problems. We find that preferences are strongly associated with actual criminal behavior. Impatience and, in particular, risk tolerance are still strong predictors when we include the full battery of controls. Crime propensities are 8 to 10 percentage points higher for the most risk-tolerant individuals compared to the most risk averse. This effect is half the size of the effect of cognitive skills, which is known to be a very strong predictor of criminal behavior. Looking into different types of crime, we find that preferences significantly predict property offenses, while self-control problems significantly predict violent, drug, and sexual offenses.
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8
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Schiks JA, van de Weijer SG, Leukfeldt ER. High tech crime, high intellectual crime? Comparing the intellectual capabilities of cybercriminals, traditional criminals and non-criminals. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.106985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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9
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Hauser NC, Neumann CS, Marshall J, Mokros A. Rational, emotional, or both? Subcomponents of psychopathy predict opposing moral decisions. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2021; 39:541-566. [PMID: 34672023 PMCID: PMC9298150 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent research has documented a small but significant correlation between psychopathic capacities and utilitarian moral judgment, although the findings are generally inconsistent and unclear. We propose that one way to make sense of mixed findings is to consider variation in perspective-taking capacities of psychopathic individuals. With this in mind, we had criminal offenders (n = 60), who varied in their psychopathy levels according to the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), respond to common sacrificial moral dilemmas (e.g., trolley dilemmas) under different conditions. In a baseline condition, participants simply responded to the sacrificial moral dilemmas as is typically done in previous research. In an "emotion-salient" condition, participants had to reason about the emotions of another person after solving moral dilemmas (deliberative processing). In the "emotion-ambiguous" condition, participants saw images of people in distress, after solving moral dilemmas, but did not have to explicitly reason about such emotions (spontaneous processing). The four PCL-R facets predicted distinct interference effects depending on spontaneous versus deliberative processing of hypothetical victim's emotions. The findings suggest that the use of a multi-faceted approach to account for cognitive and moral correlates of psychopathy may help address previously mixed results. Implications and future directions for theory and research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Claire Hauser
- Department of Forensic PsychiatryUniversity Hospital of Psychiatry ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Julia Marshall
- Department of PsychologyBoston CollegeChestnut HillMassachusettsUSA
| | - Andreas Mokros
- Department of PsychologyPersonality and Forensic Psychology and Diagnostics DivisionUniversity of HagenHagenGermany
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10
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Katzin S, Andiné P, Hofvander B, Billstedt E, Wallinius M. Exploring Traumatic Brain Injuries and Aggressive Antisocial Behaviors in Young Male Violent Offenders. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:507196. [PMID: 33192641 PMCID: PMC7581682 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.507196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of disabilities and mortality worldwide, with higher prevalence in offender populations than in the general population. Previous research has strongly advocated increased awareness of TBI in offender populations. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and characteristics of TBI, and to investigate associations and interactions between TBI, aggressive antisocial behaviors, general intellectual functioning, and substance use disorders (SUD) in a well-characterized group of young violent offenders. Methods: The study investigated a cohort (n = 269) of 18 to 25-year-old male violent offenders in Sweden. Data on TBI (files + self-report), aggressive antisocial behaviors (Life History of Aggression), SUD (clinical interviews), and general intellectual functioning (General Ability Index, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales Third Edition) were collected between 2010 and 2012. Parametric (Student's t-test) and non-parametric (Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman's rho, χ2, Kruskal Wallis test) inferential statistics were applied and effect sizes reported. Results: TBI, both with and without loss of consciousness, was common, with 77.5% of the offenders reporting having suffered at least one TBI during their lifetime. TBI was associated with an increased occurrence of aggressive antisocial behaviors and SUD, and offenders with both TBI and SUD evidenced the largest amount of aggressive antisocial behaviors. No clinically meaningful associations were found between TBI and general intelligence. Effect sizes were in the small to medium range. Conclusions: Our study confirms an increased prevalence of TBI among young violent offenders compared to the general population, as well as associations between TBI, aggressive antisocial behaviors, and SUD. However, it provides no information on the severity of the TBI, nor on the causality of the demonstrated associations. Nevertheless, TBI, and possible related deficits, need to be considered in the assessment and treatment of young violent offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Katzin
- Lund Clinical Research on Externalizing and Developmental Psychopathology, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter Andiné
- Centre of Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Björn Hofvander
- Lund Clinical Research on Externalizing and Developmental Psychopathology, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Centre of Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Trelleborg, Sweden
| | - Eva Billstedt
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Märta Wallinius
- Lund Clinical Research on Externalizing and Developmental Psychopathology, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Centre of Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Research Department, Regional Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Växjö, Sweden
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11
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Frøyland LR, Soest T. Adolescent boys' physical fighting and adult life outcomes: Examining the interplay with intelligence. Aggress Behav 2020; 46:72-83. [PMID: 31631354 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Although it is well known that adolescent delinquent behavior is related to poor outcomes in adulthood, longitudinal research on specific acts of delinquency and their interplay with important individual characteristics in predicting future outcomes is scarce. We aimed to examine how physical fighting-one of the most common acts of violent delinquency among adolescent boys-is related to adult life success in several domains, and how intelligence influences these associations. The study used data from 1,083 boys that participated in the population-based longitudinal Young in Norway Study, following adolescents from 1992 to 2015, by combining self-reports at four time points with comprehensive information from registers. Results showed that adolescent boys' physical fighting was associated with poor adult outcomes in the domains of employment, education, and criminal behavior. Associations remained significant even after controlling for conduct problems in general-which isolated the effects of fighting from other delinquent acts-as well as from a variety of other potential confounders. Detailed analyses on the interplay of physical fighting and intelligence showed that some parts of the associations between adolescent boys' fighting and several adverse adult outcomes could be ascribed to lower intelligence among the fighters. Moreover, intelligence moderated the relationship between physical fighting and adult education. Adolescent fighting was not related to educational attainment among boys with high intelligence, whereas boys with lower intelligence experienced detrimental effects of adolescent fighting. The analyses show the importance of considering adolescent boys' physical fighting as a potential risk factor for future social marginalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Roar Frøyland
- NOVA—Norwegian Social ResearchOsloMet—Oslo Metropolitan University Oslo Norway
| | - Tilmann Soest
- NOVA—Norwegian Social ResearchOsloMet—Oslo Metropolitan University Oslo Norway
- PROMENTA Research Center, Department of PsychologyUniversity of Oslo Oslo Norway
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12
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Linear and non-linear: An exploration of the variation in the functional form of verbal IQ and antisocial behavior as adolescents age into adulthood. INTELLIGENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2019.101375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Abstract
Some authors have proposed that research on cognitive differences, including differences between ethnic and racial groups, needs to be prevented because it produces true knowledge that is dangerous and socially undesirable. From a consequentialist perspective, this contribution investigates the usually unstated assumptions about harms and benefits behind these proposals. The conclusion is that intelligence differences provide powerful explanations of many important real-world phenomena, and that denying their causal role requires the promotion of alternative false beliefs. Acting on these false beliefs almost invariably prevents the effective management of societal problems while creating new ones. The proper questions to ask are not about the nature of the research and the results it is expected to produce, but about whether prevailing value systems can turn truthful knowledge about cognitive differences into benign outcomes, whatever the truth may be. These value systems are the proper focus of action. Therefore, the proposal to suppress knowledge about cognitive ability differences must be based on the argument that people in modern societies will apply such knowledge in malicious rather than beneficial ways, either because of universal limitations of human nature or because of specific features of modern societies.
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González Moraga FR, Garcia D, Billstedt E, Wallinius M. Facets of Psychopathy, Intelligence, and Aggressive Antisocial Behaviors in Young Violent Offenders. Front Psychol 2019; 10:984. [PMID: 31139107 PMCID: PMC6527586 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychopathy continues to be a challenge in forensic contexts, and evidence of its association with destructive behaviors, such as aggressive antisocial behaviors, is extensive. However, the potential role of intelligence as moderator of the well-established association between psychopathy and aggressive antisocial behaviors has largely been neglected, despite intelligence having been independently related to both concepts. Increased knowledge of whether intelligence is relevant to this association is needed because of its possible implications on the assessment and treatment of individuals with psychopathic traits and aggressive antisocial behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the association between psychopathic traits, aggressive antisocial behaviors, and intelligence in young violent offenders and to test whether intelligence moderates the relationship between psychopathic traits and aggressive antisocial behaviors. Participants were 269 male violent offenders aged 18–25 years, assessed on the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), the Life History of Aggression (LHA), and the General Ability Index from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 3rd edition. Associations were tested with Spearman’s rho, and moderation analysis was performed through ordinary least squares regressions. The PCL-R four-facet structure was used for the analyses. We found a positive association between psychopathic traits and aggressive antisocial behaviors, and a small negative association between the Affective PCL-R facet and intelligence. In the moderation analyses, a small yet statistically significant moderation effect of intelligence on the association between the Interpersonal facet and LHA total scores was demonstrated. However, the amount of variance in the LHA total score explained by the model was very small: 2.9%. We suggest that intelligence, however, important for rehabilitation strategies and everyday functioning, is not necessarily pertinent to understanding aggressive antisocial behaviors in young offenders with psychopathic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Renee González Moraga
- Regional Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Växjö, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Danilo Garcia
- Blekinge Center for Competence, Region Blekinge, Karlskrona, Sweden.,Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Billstedt
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Märta Wallinius
- Regional Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Växjö, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Wallinius M, Nordholm J, Wagnström F, Billstedt E. Cognitive functioning and aggressive antisocial behaviors in young violent offenders. Psychiatry Res 2019; 272:572-580. [PMID: 30616126 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that offenders have impaired cognitive abilities yet it is unclear if cognitive dysfunction per se contributes to aggressive antisocial behaviors. Our aims were to (1) determine associations between cognitive functioning and different forms of aggressive antisocial behaviors, (2) describe prevalence of, and covariates to, uneven intellectual profiles, and (3) investigate associations between cognitive functioning and age at onset of aggressive antisocial behaviors. A cohort (n = 269) of 18-25 years old male violent offenders were assessed for general intellectual functioning with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales-third edition, and for executive functions with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Only one measure of cognitive functioning - slower reaction times in a response inhibition test - was significantly correlated with higher occurrence of aggressive, but not exclusively antisocial, behaviors. Furthermore, offenders with even intellectual profiles showed more aggressive antisocial behaviors than offenders with uneven intellectual profiles. Finally, increased errors in tests of cognitive flexibility and slower reaction times in a response inhibition test were associated with a younger age at onset of general, but not exclusively violent, criminality. Overall, effect sizes were small. The findings emphasize the need of research investigating how cognitive functioning in offenders affects susceptibility to treatment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Märta Wallinius
- Lund University, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lund, Sweden; Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Regional Forensic Psychiatric Clinic Växjö, Sweden.
| | - Johannes Nordholm
- General Psychiatry Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Wagnström
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Billstedt
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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Cognitive abilities and antisocial behavior in prison: A longitudinal assessment using a large state-wide sample of prisoners. INTELLIGENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Boccio CM, Beaver KM, Schwartz JA. The role of verbal intelligence in becoming a successful criminal: Results from a longitudinal sample. INTELLIGENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Solomon SJ, Savolainen J, Mason WA, Miettunen J, January SAA, Järvelin MR. Does Educational Marginalization Mediate the Path from Childhood Cumulative Risk to Criminal Offending? JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL AND LIFE-COURSE CRIMINOLOGY 2017; 3:326-346. [PMID: 29435405 PMCID: PMC5807018 DOI: 10.1007/s40865-017-0062-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early exposure to multiple risk factors is known to predict involvement in criminal offending. The purpose of this study was to examine the processes responsible for this association. Specifically, the focus was on the capacity of adolescent educational experience to mediate the effect of childhood cumulative risk (CCR) on criminal offending, net of expected continuity in antisocial propensity and behavior. METHODS Data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort Study 1986 (n = 5,743) were used to estimate a structural equation model to examine the hypothesized pathways. The educational pathway was captured by a latent variable (educational marginalization) consisting of indicators of low academic performance, weak school attachment, and low educational aspirations. RESULTS CCR had a strong positive relation with educational marginalization, which, in turn, emerged as a statistically significant predictor of having criminal record by age 19. Although continuity in antisocial behavior accounted for most of the total effect of CCR on criminal offending, one third of it was mediated by educational marginalization. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the adolescent educational experience as a promising target of intervention in efforts to curb criminal careers among children at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Starr J. Solomon
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, 218 CPACS, Omaha, NE 68182, USA
| | - Jukka Savolainen
- Institute for Social Research, ICPSR, University of Michigan, P.O. Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA
| | - W. Alex Mason
- Boys Town National Research Institute for Child and Family Studies, 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010, USA
| | - Jouko Miettunen
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Fin-90014, Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, Unit for Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Stacy-Ann A. January
- University of South Carolina, Department of Psychology, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Marjo-Riitta Järvelin
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Fin-90014, Oulu, Finland; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MRC PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College, One Kemble Street, London WC2B 4AN, UK; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Unit of Primary Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Hõrak P, Valge M. Old-for-grade girls reproduce but do not mature early: Simply a mechanistic link between educational progress and pace of life? INTELLIGENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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