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Bashford-Largo J, Blair RJR, Blair KS, Dobbertin M, Elowsky J, Dominguez A, Hatch M, Bajaj S. Cortical volume alterations in the limbic network in adolescents with high reactive aggression. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38584251 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies show aggression-related structural alterations in frontal and limbic brain regions. Most studies have focused on overall aggression, instead of its subtypes, and on specific regions instead of networks. This study aims to identify both brain networks and regions that are associated with reactive and proactive subtypes of aggression. Structural MRI data were collected from 340 adolescents (125 F/215 M) with a mean age of 16.29 (SD = 1.20). Aggression symptomology was indexed via the Reactive Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ). Freesurfer was used to estimate Cortical Volume (CV) from seven networks and regions within specific networks associated with aggression. Two multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) were conducted on groups for low versus higher reactive and proactive RPQ scores. Our reactive aggression MANCOVA showed a main effect in CV [F(14,321) = 1.935, p = 0.022,ηp2 = 0.078] across all the 7-Networks. Unpacking this main effect revealed significant volumetric differences in the right Limbic Network (LN) (p = 0.029) and the Temporal Pole (p = 0.011), where adolescents in the higher reactive aggression group showed higher cortical volumes. Such findings are consistent with region/voxel-specific analyses that have associated atypical structure within the LN and reactive aggression. Moreover, the temporal pole is highly interconnected with regions important in the regulation and initiation of reactive aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannah Bashford-Largo
- Child and Family Translational Research Center, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - R James R Blair
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karina S Blair
- Child and Family Translational Research Center, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
| | - Matthew Dobbertin
- Child and Family Translational Research Center, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Center, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
| | - Jaimie Elowsky
- Clinical Psychology Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Ahria Dominguez
- Clinical Health, Emotion, and Neuroscience (CHEN) Laboratory, Department of Neurological Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Melissa Hatch
- Mind and Brain Health Laboratories (MBHL), Department of Neurological Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sahil Bajaj
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, MD Anderson Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
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Sica C, Caudek C, Bottesi G, Colpizzi I, Malerba A, Patrick CJ. Triarchic Model of Psychopathy and Intimate Partner Violence: An Empirical Study on the Italian Community. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024; 39:1448-1472. [PMID: 37876207 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231207620] [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: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious and recurrent phenomenon in many societies with severe physical and psychological consequences. In the present study, we aimed to explore the role of triarchic dimensions of psychopathy (disinhibition, boldness, and meanness) across gender in this occurrence. A questionnaire on inflicted (self) and experienced (partner) IPV and the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure were administered to a sample of 1,149 individuals from the Italian community. In general, self and partner IPV were moderately correlated. Bayesian regression analysis showed that disinhibition was positively correlated to both self and partner IPV (psychological and physical). In addition, boldness was negatively associated with perpetrated psychological IPV. Interactions by gender showed that meanness was positively related to perpetrated IPV in women (psychological and physical), whereas men with disinhibition features inflicted more physical violence than women. A high externalizing tendency (i.e., disinhibition) is therefore an important correlate of both perpetrated and reported IPV; moreover, boldness was associated with less psychological violence in general, whereas the effect of meanness depended on the gender of the individuals involved. Interestingly, the association between IPV and self-reported delinquent activities was low in magnitude (Spearman's Rho around .20) suggesting limited overlap between these two constructs.
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Hutten JC, van Horn JE, Hoppenbrouwers SS, Ziermans TB, Geurts HM. Neuropsychological assessment of aggressive offenders: a Delphi consensus study. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1328839. [PMID: 38464622 PMCID: PMC10922935 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1328839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study explores the intricate relationship between cognitive functioning and aggression, with a specific focus on individuals prone to reactive or proactive aggression. The purpose of the study was to identify important neuropsychological constructs and suitable tests for comprehending and addressing aggression. Methods An international panel of 32 forensic neuropsychology experts participated in this three-round Delphi study consisting of iterative online questionnaires. The experts rated the importance of constructs based on the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework. Subsequently, they suggested tests that can be used to assess these constructs and rated their suitability. Results The panel identified the RDoC domains Negative Valence Systems, Social Processes, Cognitive Systems and Positive Valence Systems as most important in understanding aggression. Notably, the results underscore the significance of Positive Valence Systems in proactive aggression and Negative Valence Systems in reactive aggression. The panel suggested a diverse array of 223 different tests, although they noted that not every RDoC construct can be effectively measured through a neuropsychological test. The added value of a multimodal assessment strategy is discussed. Conclusions This research advances our understanding of the RDoC constructs related to aggression and provides valuable insights for assessment strategies. Rather than suggesting a fixed set of tests, our study takes a flexible approach by presenting a top-3 list for each construct. This approach allows for tailored assessment to meet specific clinical or research needs. An important limitation is the predominantly Dutch composition of the expert panel, despite extensive efforts to diversify.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette C. Hutten
- De Waag (Outpatient Forensic Mental Health Clinic), Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joan E. van Horn
- De Waag (Outpatient Forensic Mental Health Clinic), Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sylco S. Hoppenbrouwers
- De Waag (Outpatient Forensic Mental Health Clinic), Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tim B. Ziermans
- Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hilde M. Geurts
- Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Moreira D, Silva C, Moreira P, Pinto TM, Costa R, Lamela D, Jongenelen I, Pasion R. Addressing the Complex Links between Psychopathy and Childhood Maltreatment, Emotion Regulation, and Aggression-A Network Analysis in Adults. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:115. [PMID: 38392468 PMCID: PMC10885997 DOI: 10.3390/bs14020115] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment is the strongest predictor of psychopathology and personality disorders across the lifespan and is strongly associated with a variety of psychological problems, namely, mood and anxiety disorders, behavioral and personality disorders, substance abuse, aggression, and self-harm. In this study, we aim to provide a comprehensive picture of the interplay between different traits of psychopathy and distinct dimensions of childhood maltreatment, emotion regulation, and aggression. Using a cross-sectional design, we employed correlational network analysis to explore the nomological network of psychopathy and provide a sample-based estimate of the population parameters reflecting the direction, strength, and patterns of relationships between variables. The sample consisted of 846 adults (71% females) who completed questionnaires measuring psychopathy, childhood maltreatment, emotion regulation, and aggression. The results highlight that disinhibition traits of psychopathy are the closest attributes of early experiences of abuse (but not neglect) in childhood and correlate with all dimensions of emotion regulation difficulties, being specifically associated with reactive aggression. Neglect was a unique attribute in the nomological network of meanness, with widespread correlations with emotion regulation difficulties but also an increased ability to engage in goal-directed behavior. Physical abuse was the only dimension of childhood adversity that was found to be intercorrelated with boldness and increased emotional regulation was found in this psychopathic trait. No significant associations were found between boldness, meanness, and aggression once shared variance with disinhibition was controlled. These results are discussed in terms of their implication for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Moreira
- Centro Regional de Braga, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4710-362 Braga, Portugal
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Solidariedade de Braga/Projeto Homem, 4700-024 Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto-IPNP Health, 4100-341 Porto, Portugal
- Observatory Permanent Violence and Crime (OPVC), FP-I3ID, Fernando Pessoa University, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
| | - Candy Silva
- Centro Regional de Braga, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4710-362 Braga, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Moreira
- Centro Regional de Braga, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4710-362 Braga, Portugal
| | - Tiago Miguel Pinto
- HEI-Lab-Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lusófona University, 4000-098 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raquel Costa
- HEI-Lab-Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lusófona University, 4000-098 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diogo Lamela
- HEI-Lab-Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lusófona University, 4000-098 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Jongenelen
- HEI-Lab-Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lusófona University, 4000-098 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Pasion
- HEI-Lab-Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lusófona University, 4000-098 Lisbon, Portugal
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Quansah JE, Gagnon J. Toward an Integrative Approach to the Study of Positive-Affect-Related Aggression. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2023:17456916231200421. [PMID: 37938111 DOI: 10.1177/17456916231200421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Research on aggression usually aims at gaining a better understanding of its more negative aspects, such as the role and effects of aversive social interactions, hostile cognitions, or negative affect. However, there are conditions under which an act of aggression can elicit a positive affective response, even among the most nonviolent of individuals. One might experience the "sweetness of revenge" on reacting aggressively to a betrayal or social rejection. A soldier may feel elated after "shooting to kill" in the name of the flag. There are many factors that contribute to the appeal of aggression, but despite growing interest in researching these phenomena, there is still no unitary framework that organizes existing theories and empirical findings and can be applied to a model to generate testable hypotheses. This article presents a narrative review of the literature on positive-affect-related forms of aggression and explores the role of aggression in eliciting positive affect across diverse social situations and relational contexts. An integrative model that unifies existing theories and findings is proposed, with the objective to inspire and inform future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Emma Quansah
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Laboratoire d'Électrophysiologie en Neuroscience Sociale, University of Montreal
| | - Jean Gagnon
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Laboratoire d'Électrophysiologie en Neuroscience Sociale, University of Montreal
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Wu X, Zhu R, Gong X, Luo Y, Liu C. Social incentives foster cooperation through guilt aversion: An effect that diminishes with primary psychopathic traits. Psych J 2023; 12:389-398. [PMID: 36971036 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.641] [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] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The association between primary psychopathic traits and non-cooperative behaviors is well-identified. There is a lack of studies on how to motivate cooperative behaviors in individuals with primary psychopathic traits. This study investigated the effects of monetary incentives and social incentives on promoting cooperation in healthy adults with varying primary psychopathic traits. Participants played a one-shot public goods game (PGG) with other anonymous players in three different contexts: a social incentives context where participants' decisions would be judged by others, a monetary incentives context where participants' decisions would result in winning or losing money depending on their contributions, and a control condition where no additional incentives were implemented. We found that, compared to the control condition, both monetary and social incentives significantly improved participants' contributions to the public project-an indicator of cooperative behavior. However, the association between higher primary psychopathic traits and less cooperation was only observed in the context of social incentives. Computational modeling further revealed that this effect can be explained by the diminishing guilt aversion when participants deliberately violated their inferred expectations of themselves from others' perspectives. This study found that social incentives can encourage cooperative behaviors in non-clinical psychopathy, and identified the mental processes navigating this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruida Zhu
- Business School, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Gong
- Center of Brain Disorder and Cognitive Sciences, College of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuejia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Center of Brain Disorder and Cognitive Sciences, College of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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De Wit-De Visser B, Rijckmans M, Vermunt JK, van Dam A. Pathways to antisocial behavior: a framework to improve diagnostics and tailor therapeutic interventions. Front Psychol 2023; 14:993090. [PMID: 36844347 PMCID: PMC9947159 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.993090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), and antisocial behavior (ASB) in general, is associated with significant impact on individuals themselves, their environment, and society. Although various interventions show promising results, no evidence-based treatments are available for individuals with ASPD. Therefore, making informed choices about which treatment can be applied to an individual patient is complicated. Furthermore, contradictory findings on therapy effectiveness and underlying factors of ASB, such as cognitive impairments and personality traits, fuel the debate whether the conceptualization of ASPD in the DSM-5 is accurate and whether this population can be seen as homogeneous. A conceptual framework, based on the reciprocal altruism theory, is presented in which we propose different pathways to ASB. These pathways suggest underlying dynamics of ASB and provide an explanation for previous contradictory research outcomes. This framework is intended to serve as a clinically relevant model that provides directions for improving diagnostics and matching treatments to underlying dynamics in the antisocial population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda De Wit-De Visser
- GGZ WNB, Research and Innovation, Halsteren, Netherlands,Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Welfare, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Brenda De Wit-De Visser,
| | - Madeleine Rijckmans
- Fivoor, Fivoor Science and Treatment Innovation, Poortugaal, Netherlands,Clinical and Forensic Psychology, Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen K. Vermunt
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Arno van Dam
- GGZ WNB, Research and Innovation, Halsteren, Netherlands,Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Welfare, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
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Emmerling F, Peus C, Lobbestael J. The hot and the cold in destructive leadership: Modeling the role of arousal in explaining leader antecedents and follower consequences of abusive supervision versus exploitative leadership. ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/20413866231153098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to its devastating consequences, research needs to theoretically and empirically disentangle different sub-types of destructive leadership. Based on concepts derived from aggression research distinguishing re- and proactive aggression, we provide a process model differentiating abusive supervision and exploitative leadership. High versus low arousal negative affect is installed as the central mediating factor determining (1) whether perceived goal-blockage (leadership antecedents) leads to abusive supervision versus exploitative leadership and (2) whether a specific leadership behavior leads to active versus passive follower behavior (leadership consequence). Further, theoretical anchoring of individual and contextual moderators onto the model's process paths is provided and exemplary hypotheses for concrete moderation effects are deduced. Based on the provided process model, we highlight four recommendations to facilitate process-based construct differentiation in future research on destructive leadership. To precisely understand the differences and commonalities in different forms of destructive leadership will ultimately enable custom-tailored inter- and prevention. Plain Language Summary Negative leadership—also named “destructive” leadership—has very bad effects on followers and organizations. There are not just one, but many forms of destructive leadership and it is important to understand where different sub-types come from (i.e., to understand their antecedents) and which specific effect they have (i.e., to understand their consequences). In this paper, we focus on better understanding two forms of destructive leadership, namely abusive supervision and exploitative leadership. These two forms are similar to the two main forms of aggression. Abusive supervision is similar to reactive aggression, an impulsive “hot blooded” form of aggression. Exploitative leadership is similar to proactive aggression, a premeditated “cold blooded” form of aggression. We explain the parallels between the two forms of aggression and the two forms of leadership and provide a model which allows to predict when one versus the other form of leadership occurs and to which follower behavior they lead. An important factor in this model is the physiological characteristic of the emotional reaction to an event (i.e., arousal). An emotional reaction can be high in arousal; for instance, anger is a high arousal negative emotional reaction. On the contrary, boredom, for instance, is a low arousal negative emotional reaction. Dependent on whether both a leader and a follower react to a negative event (e.g., not getting what they want, being treated badly by others) with high or low arousal, their behavior will be different. We explain how this mechanism works and how it can help us to better predict leaders' and followers' behavior. We also outline how individual characteristics of the leader and follower and characteristics of their environment and context interact with arousal and their behavior.
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Bisback A, Vanderplasschen W, Colins OF. Differences in Offending Behaviors, Aggression, Substance Use, and Mental Health Problems between Male Drug Dealers and Non-Drug Dealers in Belgian Youth Detention Centers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16390. [PMID: 36554272 PMCID: PMC9778352 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated whether drug dealing juvenile offenders in Belgium differ from non-drug dealers in levels of violent and non-violent offending behaviors, aggression, substance use, and mental health needs. The current study examined data from 226 16- to 17-year-old male juvenile offenders. Information relating to drug dealing, substance use, and mental health needs were collected through self-report questionnaires. A structured diagnostic interview was used to collect information about past violent and non-violent behaviors. Chi-square tests and multivariate analysis of variance compared non-dealers and dealers and explored if hard-drug dealers and soft-drug dealers differed from each other. Relative to non-drug dealers, drug dealers engaged in more violent offending behaviors, exhibited higher levels of aggression, substance use and oppositional defiant problems, and displayed lower levels of anxiety. Soft- and hard-drug dealers did not differ from each other. To conclude, detained drug dealers are characterized by severe antisocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Bisback
- Department of Special Needs Education at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wouter Vanderplasschen
- Department of Special Needs Education at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier F. Colins
- Department of Special Needs Education at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Criminological and Psychosocial Research, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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Heynen E, Van der Helm P, Stams GJ, Roest J. Measuring Aggression in German Youth Prison-A Validation of the German Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) in a Sample of Incarcerated Juvenile Offenders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2022; 66:1475-1486. [PMID: 34109834 PMCID: PMC9452854 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x211023923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine construct validity and reliability of the German reactive proactive aggression questionnaire (RPQ) in a sample of delinquent boys (N = 156). A confirmatory factor analysis with a two-factor model of reactive and proactive aggression showed a good fit to the data. The factor structure of the original RPQ could be fully replicated in the German translation, and Cronbach's alphas were good for both subscales. Concurrent validity of the RPQ was demonstrated by significant correlations with the subscales of the inventory of callous unemotional traits. In future studies, the German RPQ can be used to assess reactive and proactive aggression in judicial and forensic psychiatric care in Germany. The present findings also provide support for the use of the RPQ in cross-cultural comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peer Van der Helm
- Hogeschool Leiden, South Holland, The Netherlands
- Universiteit van Amsterdam, Holland, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jesse Roest
- Hogeschool Leiden, South Holland, The Netherlands
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Pechorro P, Abrunhosa Gonçalves R, Barroso R, Quintas J, DeLisi M. Triarchic psychopathic traits versus self-control: Comparing associations with youth antisocial outcomes. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH : CBMH 2022; 32:267-278. [PMID: 35723026 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychopathy and low self-control are useful constructs for understanding antisociality/criminality. The triarchic model of psychopathy in particular is a recent and promising conceptualisation, composed of boldness, disinhibition, and meanness - three personality traits that have never been studied in tandem with low self-control. AIMS To test relationships between the triarchic personality traits of boldness, disinhibition and meanness and low self-control with delinquent or antisocial acts. METHODS In a cross-sectional, self-report study a schools' cohort of 14- to 18-year-olds (Mean 15.91 years, SD = 0.99 years) was recruited from regions in South Portugal and Lisbon, representative of the general population of this age in sex distribution and education. After parental consent, teenage volunteers in small groups completed psychopathy and self-control self-rating scales and then a questionnaire about their criminal or delinquent activities, all on one single occasion and in confidence from school staff or parents. Path analysis was used to test relationships. RESULTS 567 young people, 256 (45%) of them girls, completed all ratings, 89% of those invited to do so. Low self-control had the strongest relationship with antisocial/criminal acts, followed by the disinhibition or meanness traits of the triarchic psychopathy construct. The boldness trait of the triarchic psychopathy construct had the weakest relationship. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the most effective targets for intervention to prevent or limit antisocial behaviours by young people are likely to be self-control and disinhibition. Behavioural interventions that improve social skills and verbal problem-solving that encourage listening and waiting in response to environmental stimuli are likely to effect reduction of impulsive and aggressive reactions to others and so reduce conduct problems. Since disinhibition and self-control are such overlapping constructs, improvements in one area will generally facilitate improvements in the other area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Pechorro
- School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ricardo Barroso
- University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Jorge Quintas
- School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe current study examined the psychometric properties (factor structure, reliability and validity) of the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV; Forth et al., 2003) in Spanish samples of male justice-involved youths between 15 and 22-years old. The PCL:YV was administered to two groups of youths who were incarcerated (n = 62; n = 95) and a sample of youth on probation (n = 122). Confirmatory factor analyses showed acceptable-to-good fit for three- and four-factor models. The four-factor hierarchical model with a second-order higher factor representing the whole psychopathy construct was considered for further analyses. PCL:YV scores showed high internal consistency and inter-rater reliability. Low-to-moderate convergence with other measures of psychopathic traits evinced an adequate convergent validity. Convergent and discriminant validity of the PCL:YV total scores were also confirmed considering several measures of psychopathology and personality traits. Importantly, the differential external correlates of the PCL:YV factors provide support for a multidimensional conceptualization of the psychopathy construct. Altogether, these results reveal adequate psychometric properties of the PCL:YV in Spanish population of justice-involved youths and justifies its use to assess psychopathic traits in this kind of populations.
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Dinić BM, Raine A, Vujić A, van Dongen JDM. Cross-cultural Validity of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire Among Adults Across Five Countries. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP6261-NP6283. [PMID: 33059538 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520966672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to test psychometric properties and factor invariance of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) for adults across five countries: Serbia (N = 409), Mauritius (N = 400), the United States (N = 389), the Netherlands (N = 372), and China (N = 325). The results supported the two-factor structure across country samples, with a marginal model fit in Mauritius. Results also supported the congruent factor structure of Reactive Aggression scale across countries, while the Proactive Aggression scale can be considered as equal across samples from Serbia, the United States, and China, but not from Mauritius and the Netherland. Among items from the Proactive Aggression scale, those referring to open aggression aimed at obtaining social status and dominance, frightening or harming others, obtained the highest loadings across all samples and could be considered as the good representatives of adult proactive aggression. This is the first study in which cross-cultural validation of the RPQ among adults has been tested and results suggested that there are some cultural differences in expression of proactive aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian Raine
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Maneiro L, Cutrín O, Gómez-Fraguela XA. Gender Differences in the Personality Correlates of Reactive and Proactive Aggression in a Spanish Sample of Young Adults. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP4082-NP4107. [PMID: 32924770 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520957697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Since the conceptual distinction of reactive and proactive aggression has been proposed, numerous studies have tried to disentangle the correlates of each function of aggression. While reactive aggression tends to be more strongly related to impulsivity, angry reactivity, or hostility, proactive aggression has proved to be more associated with psychopathic traits and goal-directed behaviors. However, in addition to the current debate about the actual distinction of reactive and proactive aggression, the study of gender differences is still scarce. Thus, the aim of the current study is to evaluate the distinctiveness of reactive and proactive aggression by means of the examination of their differential personality correlates (i.e., HEXACO, psychopathic traits, and impulsivity facets), as well as the assessment of gender differences in those relationships. To that end, a sample composed of 326 young adults aged 18-34 was recruited in Spain. The results evidenced unique associations of reactive and proactive aggression with a set of personality traits, including the HEXACO factors, psychopathic traits, and impulsivity facets, both at raw and residual level. Furthermore, when all the variables were entered in the model, proactive aggression remained strongly related to the factor of Honesty/humility and Emotionality, whereas reactive aggression remained associated with the impulsive/irresponsive factor of psychopathy and, specifically, with the facet of negative urgency, as well as with lack of Agreeableness. Likewise, some gender differences emerged as regards certain correlates. Specifically, proactive aggression was related with lack of Agreeableness and sensation seeking only in males and with the impulsive/irresponsive factor of psychopathy only in females, although these differences were not statistically significant. The conceptual and practical implications of these finding are discussed in terms of prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Maneiro
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Olalla Cutrín
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Arizona State University, Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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15
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The WoW factor: Psychopathic traits and behavior in a massive multiplayer online role-playing game. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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16
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Raine A, Chen FR, Waller R. The Cognitive, Affective and Somatic Empathy Scales for Adults. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022; 185:111238. [PMID: 35221409 PMCID: PMC8880876 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The Cognitive, Affective and Somatic Empathy Scales (CASES) assess three forms of empathy, each with subscales for positive and negative empathy. The present study extends this child instrument to adults and examines its factor structure and construct validity. A secondary aim is to investigate the under-researched area of positive empathy. Community samples totaling 2,604 adults completed the CASES for adults, together with scales assessing construct validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor cognitive-affective-somatic model and a two-factor positive-negative empathy model. Findings were replicated in a second independent sample. Internal reliabilities ranged from .80 to .92. Individuals with higher psychopathy and stimulation-seeking scores were less impaired in their empathic reactions to positive relative to negative valence events, suggesting that they are relatively capable of responding emotionally to rewarding events. Somatic empathy was most strongly associated with pleasure in affective touch and with female > male gender differences. While proactive aggression was associated with reduced cognitive and affective empathy, reactive aggression was associated with increased empathy. Findings provide initial support for the utility of CASES for assessing different forms of empathy and suggest that the balance between positive and negative empathy could provide new insights into psychological traits.
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Knehans R, Schuhmann T, Roef D, Nelen H, à Campo J, Lobbestael J. Modulating Behavioural and Self-Reported Aggression with Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: A Literature Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020200. [PMID: 35203963 PMCID: PMC8870113 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive behaviour is at the basis of many harms in society, such as violent crime. The efforts to explain, study, and possibly reduce aggression span various disciplines, including neuroscience. The specific brain networks which are involved in the modulation of aggressive behaviour include cortical asymmetry and brain areas such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). Recent non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) research suggests that both transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) can play a role in the modulation of aggressive behaviour by directly changing brain activity. In this review, we systematically explore and discuss 11 experimental studies that aimed to modulate aggressive behaviour or self-reported aggression using NIBS. Out of these 11 studies, nine significantly up- or downregulated aggression by using tDCS or cTBS targeting the DLPFC, VLPFC or VMPFC. The potential applications of these findings span both the clinical and the forensic psychological domains. However, the results are limited by the methodological heterogeneity in the aggression measures used across the studies, and by their generally small sample sizes. Future research should consider improving the localization and specificity of NIBS by employing neuro-navigational instruments and standardized scoring methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Knehans
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, Maastricht University, 6211 LH Maastricht, The Netherlands; (D.R.); (H.N.); (J.à.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Teresa Schuhmann
- Section Brain Stimulation and Cognition, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - David Roef
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, Maastricht University, 6211 LH Maastricht, The Netherlands; (D.R.); (H.N.); (J.à.C.)
| | - Hans Nelen
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, Maastricht University, 6211 LH Maastricht, The Netherlands; (D.R.); (H.N.); (J.à.C.)
| | - Joost à Campo
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, Maastricht University, 6211 LH Maastricht, The Netherlands; (D.R.); (H.N.); (J.à.C.)
| | - Jill Lobbestael
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
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ter Harmsel JF, van Dongen JDM, Zijlmans J, van der Pol TM, Marhe R, Popma A. Neurobiological Responses towards Stimuli Depicting Aggressive Interactions in Delinquent Young Adults and Controls: No Relation to Reactive and Proactive Aggression. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020124. [PMID: 35203888 PMCID: PMC8869761 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurobiological measures underlying aggressive behavior have gained attention due to their potential to inform risk assessment and treatment interventions. Aberrations in responsivity of the autonomic nervous system and electrophysiological responses to arousal-inducing stimuli have been related to emotional dysregulation and aggressive behavior. However, studies have often been performed in community samples, using tasks that induce arousal but not specifically depict aggression. In this study, we examined differences in psychophysiological (i.e., heart rate, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, skin conductance level) and electrophysiological responses (i.e., P3, late positive potential, mu suppression) to aggressive versus neutral scenes in a sample of 118 delinquent young adults and 25 controls (all male, aged 18–27). With respect to group differences, we only found significant higher SCL reactivity during the task in the delinquent group compared to controls, but this was irrespective of condition (aggressive and neutral interactions). Within the delinquent group, we also examined associations between the neurobiological measures and reactive and proactive aggression. No significant associations were found. Therefore, although we found some indication of emotional dysregulation in these delinquent young adults, future studies should further elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying emotional dysregulation in relation to different types of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna F. ter Harmsel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.Z.); (T.M.v.d.P.); (R.M.); (A.P.)
- Forensic Mental Health Care, Inforsa, 1059 GL Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (J.F.t.H.); (J.D.M.v.D.)
| | - Josanne D. M. van Dongen
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (J.F.t.H.); (J.D.M.v.D.)
| | - Josjan Zijlmans
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.Z.); (T.M.v.d.P.); (R.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Thimo M. van der Pol
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.Z.); (T.M.v.d.P.); (R.M.); (A.P.)
- Forensic Mental Health Care, Inforsa, 1059 GL Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Research and Quality of Care, ARKIN Mental Health Institute, 1033 NN Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reshmi Marhe
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.Z.); (T.M.v.d.P.); (R.M.); (A.P.)
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arne Popma
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.Z.); (T.M.v.d.P.); (R.M.); (A.P.)
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McClain CM, Christian Elledge L, Manring S, Whitley ML, Vernberg EM. Functions of Aggression and Peer Likeability in Elementary School Children Across Time. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 38:95-122. [PMID: 35694439 PMCID: PMC9187259 DOI: 10.1080/15377903.2021.1911897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We examined associations between proactive and reactive aggression and peer likability across two academic years. Analyses were based on a sample of 442 elementary school children. Proactive and reactive aggression were assessed through self-report and peer likability was assessed via a peer nomination inventory. Data were collected in the fall and spring of two academic years. Findings from cross-lagged multiple group longitudinal panel models where pathways were freely estimated for boys and girls provided evidence that the relation between reactive aggression and reciprocated liking and received only liking nominations was negative and transactional for girls. Proactive aggression had mixed associations with likability between boys and girls. Our findings suggest that preventative interventions that focus on reducing reactive aggression or increasing peer likability have the potential to shift children away from trajectories of long-term maladjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara M. McClain
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, 1404 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - L. Christian Elledge
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, 1404 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sam Manring
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, 1404 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Marisa L. Whitley
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, 1404 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Eric M. Vernberg
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Dole Human Development Building, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 2015, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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Mancinelli E, Li JB, Lis A, Salcuni S. Adolescents' Attachment to Parents and Reactive-Proactive Aggression: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413363. [PMID: 34948969 PMCID: PMC8704311 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behaviors can serve different functions, which might be understood by distinguishing between reactive (RA) and proactive (PA) aggression. Few studies were conducted on adolescents’ family precursors and emotional processes associated with RA or PA. Accordingly, the current study compared RA and PA by evaluating their association with adolescents’ attachment to parents and alexithymia. N = 453 Italian adolescents aged 15–19 years (Mage = 16.48; SD = 0.69; 33.6% males) participated in the study filling in self-report measures. Results showed that PA and RA are significantly associated and that PA was higher among males. Moreover, four mediational models were performed to assess the influence of adolescents’ attachment to mothers vs. fathers on RA or PA, considering the mediating role of alexithymia. Gender was included as a covariate. Mediational models’ results showed a direct and indirect effect, through lower alexithymia, of adolescents’ attachment to mothers and fathers on RA. Differently, only attachment to mothers showed a direct effect on PA, while attachment to fathers only an indirect effect, mediated by lower alexithymia, on PA was shown. Findings support the greater relevance of emotional processes for RA while highlighting the differential contribution of adolescents’ attachment to mothers vs. fathers upon PA. Implications are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mancinelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (S.S.)
- Digital Health Lab, Centre for Digital Health and Wellbeing, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, 38123 Trento, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-334-2799698
| | - Jian-Bin Li
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Adriana Lis
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Salcuni
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (S.S.)
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21
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Lobbestael J, Cima MJ. Virtual Reality for Aggression Assessment: The Development and Preliminary Results of Two Virtual Reality Tasks to Assess Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Males. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1653. [PMID: 34942955 PMCID: PMC8699434 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Validly measuring aggression is challenging because self-reports are plagued with biased answer tendencies and behavioral measures with ethical concerns and low ecological validity. The current study, therefore, introduces a novel virtual reality (VR) aggression assessment tool, differentially assessing reactive and proactive aggression. Two VR tasks were developed, one in an alley environment (N = 24, all male, Mage = 23.88, 83.3% students) and an improved second one in a bar (N = 50, all male, Mage = 22.54, 90% students). In this bar VR task, participants were randomly assigned to either the reactive condition where they were triggered by a cheating and insulting dart-player or to the proactive condition where they could earn extra money by aggressing. Participants' level of self-reported aggression and psychopathy was assessed, after which they engaged in either the reactive or proactive VR task. Changes in affect and blood pressure were also measured. Aggression in the reactive VR task was evidenced to mostly display convergent validity because it positively correlated with self-reported aggression and total and fearless dominance factor scores of psychopathy, and there was a trend relationship with increased systolic blood pressure. The validity of the proactive aggression variant of our VR bar paradigm received less support, and needs more refinement. It can be concluded that VR is a potentially promising tool to experimentally induce and assess (reactive) aggression, which has the potential to provide aggression researchers and clinicians with a realistic and modifiable aggression assessment environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Lobbestael
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6211 Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike J. Cima
- Department Developmental Psychopathology, Brain Science Institute, Radboud University, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
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22
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Testing the Effects of a Virtual Reality Game for Aggressive Impulse Management: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial among Forensic Psychiatric Outpatients. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11111484. [PMID: 34827483 PMCID: PMC8615718 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior laboratory experiments among healthy samples found that training avoidance movements to angry faces may lower anger and aggression, especially people high in trait anger. To enrich this training and make it more suitable for clinical applications, the present researchers developed it into a Virtual Reality Game for Aggressive Impulse Management (VR-GAIME). The current study examined the effects of this training in a randomized controlled trial among forensic psychiatric outpatients with aggression regulation problems (N = 30). In addition to the aggression replacement training, patients played either the VR-GAIME or a control game. Aggressive behavior was measured pre-, half-way, and post-treatment via self-report and clinicians ratings. No difference was found between the VR-GAIME and the control game. However, the participants reported gaining more insight into their own behavior and that of others. Future VR intervention tools in clinical settings may capitalize more on their benefits for self-reflection within interpersonal settings.
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23
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Palumbo IM, Latzman RD. Parsing Associations Between Dimensions of Empathy and Reactive and Proactive Aggression. J Pers Disord 2021; 35:56-74. [PMID: 33999656 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2021_35_522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The broad dimension of empathy has been shown to underlie various forms of psychopathology, most extensively studied for the externalizing spectrum of psychopathology. However, associations between subdimensions of empathy and functions of aggression remain unclear. The current study (N = 409) aimed to investigate common and specific associations between a higher-order model of aggression, comprising reactive aggression (RA) and proactive aggression (PA) factors with an overarching general aggression factor, and item-level factor analytically derived dimensions of empathy: affective/self-oriented empathy and cognitive/other-oriented empathy. Results demonstrated specific and opposing associations between dimensions of empathy and the general aggression factor, such that affective/self-oriented empathy was positively associated, and cognitive/other-oriented empathy was negatively associated with general aggression. Affective/self-oriented empathy was positively associated with RA, whereas cognitive/other-oriented empathy was negatively associated with RA and PA. Results confirm the importance of considering the multidimensionality of empathy and aggression and suggest both common and distinct pathways from empathy to aggression.
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24
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Gray NS, Blumenthal S, Shuker R, Wood H, Fonagy P, Snowden RJ. The Triarchic Model of Psychopathy and Antisocial Behavior: Results From an Offender Population With Personality Disorder. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP9130-NP9152. [PMID: 31189393 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519853404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The triarchic model posits that psychopathy is a combination of phenotypes related to boldness, meanness, and disinhibition. We examined how each of these phenotypes of psychopathy related to past violence and antisocial behavior and to behavior within the prison. The sample consisted of men (n = 108) with a history of serious offending and a diagnosis of personality disorder at the point of admission to a prison serving as a therapeutic community. We took four indices of violence and antisocial behavior, (a) self-report of lifetime proactive and reaction aggression, (b) criminal convictions prior to admission to the prison, (c) exclusion from the prison within 12 months due to rule breaking, and (d) behavior within the first 12 months of admission to the unit. The constructs of the triarchic model, as assessed by the triarchic psychopathy measure (TriPM), were strong predictors of self-reported aggression, with disinhibition being related to both proactive and reactive aggression, whereas boldness was related to proactive aggression alone. Past criminal convictions were also associated with disinhibition, except for convictions for violent behavior. Both meanness and disinhibition were predictive of exclusion from the prison within 12 months for rule-breaking behavior and of aggressive behavior within the prison. The triarchic model of psychopathy is associated with past antisocial behavior and is predictive of antisocial behaviors within the prison, and the different constructs of the triarchic model are associated with different manifestations of antisocial behavior. The TriPM holds great promise for improved assessment and enhanced understanding of psychopathic personality within institutions and can facilitate offender management via improved phenotypic analysis of boldness, meanness, and disinhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola S Gray
- Swansea University, UK
- Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, UK
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25
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Clarifying associations between triarchic psychopathic traits, distress intolerance, and functions of aggression. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02117-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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DeLisi M, Pechorro P, Gonçalves RA, Marôco J. An antisocial alchemy: Psychopathic traits as a moderator of the different forms and functions of aggression in delinquency and conduct disorder among youth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2021; 77:101717. [PMID: 34146941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2021.101717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to examine the possible role of psychopathic traits as a moderator of the aggression-antisociality/delinquency link. Our sample was composed of 567 youth (M = 15.91 years, SD = 0.99 years, age range = 14-18 years) from Portugal. Results indicated that psychopathic features significantly moderate four different forms and functions of aggression - proactive overt, proactive relational, reactive overt, and reactive relational - when predicting delinquency. However, psychopathic traits only significantly moderate proactive relational aggression when predicting Conduct Disorder. Psychopathic traits and aggression constitute an antisocial alchemy for antisocial behavior but more research is needed about moderation effects therein particularly among clinical and justice system involved samples of youth to inform behavioral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Iowa State Uniersity, 203A East Hall, Ames, IA 50011-1070, USA.
| | - Pedro Pechorro
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | | | - João Marôco
- William James Centre for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Jahic I, DeLisi M, Vaughn MG. Psychopathy and violent video game playing: Multiple associations in a juvenile justice system involved sample. Aggress Behav 2021; 47:385-393. [PMID: 33586165 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Violent video game playing is a consistent risk factor for aggression, but research on its psychopathology and trait underpinnings are primarily based on community or university student samples, thus the ecological validity to adjudicated and juvenile justice system-involved youth lacks clarity. This is an important void in the literature because relative to youth in the general population, adjudicated and detained youth evince greater psychopathology, more severe delinquency and violence histories, and clinical psychopathic features. Negative binomial regression models using data from 252 youth in residential placements found that several psychopathic features are significantly associated with violent video gaming. The role of psychopathy operated differently across gender and arrest chronicity, and across models remorselessness emerged as an important correlate. Given the desensitization that can occur with violent video game play, it is of particular concern among delinquent youth with psychopathic personality features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilma Jahic
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Iowa State University Ames Iowa USA
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Iowa State University Ames Iowa USA
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28
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Lobbestael J, Freund VL. Humor in Dark Personalities: An Empirical Study on the Link Between Four Humor Styles and the Distinct Subfactors of Psychopathy and Narcissism. Front Psychol 2021; 12:548450. [PMID: 33912091 PMCID: PMC8072024 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.548450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Humor is a main ingredient of interpersonal relationships. Two sets of psychopathological traits known for their devastating impact on interpersonal relationships are psychopathy and narcissism. The current study was developed to provide a fine-grained analysis of the relationship between four humor styles (affiliative, self-enhancing, self-defeating, and aggressive) and both psychopathic and narcissistic traits. Specifically, it addresses how humor styles relate to the three psychopathy subfactors (following the triarchic model) and four subfactors of grandiose narcissism. Method Self-report measures in a non-clinical male sample N = 177. Results Multiple regression analyses revealed psychopathic and narcissistic traits’ relation to using both benign and injurious humor. Subfactor analyses showed that aggressive and self-defeating humor were mostly associated with impulsivity and entitlement, while dominance levels actuated the use of humor to cope with stress. The cold-heartedness component of psychopathy proved to be particularly humorless, setting it aside as a distinctively disturbing psychopathic subfactor. Conclusions and implications Humor strongly colors the interpersonal style of both psychopathic and narcissistic personalities. Differential components of both personality types inform on the possible underlying motivations that drive the use of distinct styles of humor. This implies that psychopathic and narcissistic traits could potentially be lowered through the alternation of humor styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Lobbestael
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Lea Freund
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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29
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Armstrong T, Wells J, Boisvert DL, Lewis RH, Cooke EM, Woeckener M, Kavish N. An exploratory analysis of testosterone, cortisol, and aggressive behavior type in men and women. Biol Psychol 2021; 161:108073. [PMID: 33727106 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2021.108073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that the interaction between testosterone and cortisol is associated with variation in aggressive behavior. However, results are mixed. The current study further explored the association between testosterone, cortisol, and both reactive and proactive aggression in a large sample of university students. Models considered direct and interactive effects between baseline measures of testosterone and cortisol as well as change in hormones in response to a social stressor. In women, baseline cortisol had a negative direct association with reactive aggression and was further associated with reactive aggression in interaction with baseline testosterone (positive interaction). Hormones were unrelated to reactive aggression in men. Baseline cortisol had a negative direct association with proactive aggression in women. In contrast, the association between change in cortisol and proactive aggression was positive. Cortisol was not associated with proactive aggression in men. In addition, testosterone was not related to proactive aggression either directly or in interaction with cortisol in either men or women. Collectively, these results show that the association between hormones and aggression varies across aggressive behavior type and across sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Armstrong
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182, United States.
| | - Jessica Wells
- Department of Criminal Justice, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725, United States
| | - Danielle L Boisvert
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, 77341, United States
| | - Richard H Lewis
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR, 72204, United States
| | - Eric M Cooke
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, 77341, United States
| | - Matthias Woeckener
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, 77341, United States
| | - Nicholas Kavish
- Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, 77341, United States
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Relating Reactive and Proactive Aggression to Trait Driving Anger in Young and Adult Males: A Pilot Study Using Explicit and Implicit Measures. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13041850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Driving anger and aggressive driving are main contributors to crashes, especially among young males. Trait driving anger is context-specific and unique from other forms of anger. It is necessary to understand the mechanisms of trait driving anger to develop targeted interventions. Although literature conceptually distinguished reactive and proactive aggression, this distinction is uncommon in driving research. Similar, cognitive biases related to driving anger, measured by a combination of explicit and implicit measures, received little attention. This pilot study related explicit and implicit measures associated with reactive and proactive aggression to trait driving anger, while considering age. The sample consisted of 42 male drivers. The implicit measures included a self-aggression association (i.e., Single-Target Implicit Association Test) and an attentional aggression bias (i.e., Emotional Stroop Task). Reactive aggression related positively with trait driving anger. Moreover, a self-aggression association negatively related to trait driving anger. Finally, an interaction effect for age suggested that only in young male drivers, higher proactive aggression related to lower trait driving anger. These preliminary results motivate further attention to the combination of explicit and implicit measures related to reactive and proactive aggression in trait driving anger research.
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Berluti K, O’Connell KM, Rhoads SA, Brethel-Haurwitz KM, Cardinale EM, Vekaria KM, Robertson EL, Walitt B, VanMeter JW, Marsh AA. Reduced Multivoxel Pattern Similarity of Vicarious Neural Pain Responses in Psychopathy. J Pers Disord 2020; 34:628-649. [PMID: 33074056 PMCID: PMC9796697 DOI: 10.1521/pedi.2020.34.5.628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Psychopathy is a personality construct characterized by interpersonal callousness, boldness, and disinhibition, traits that vary continuously across the population and are linked to impaired empathic responding to others' distress and suffering. Following suggestions that empathy reflects neural self-other mapping-for example, the similarity of neural responses to experienced and observed pain, measurable at the voxel level-we used a multivoxel approach to assess associations between psychopathy and empathic neural responses to pain. During fMRI scanning, 21 community-recruited participants varying in psychopathy experienced painful pressure stimulation and watched a live video of a stranger undergoing the same stimulation. As total psychopathy, coldheartedness, and self-centered impulsivity increased, multivoxel similarity of vicarious and experienced pain in the left anterior insula decreased, effects that were not observed following an empathy prompt. Our data provide preliminary evidence that psychopathy is characterized by disrupted spontaneous empathic representations of others' pain that may be reduced by instructions to empathize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Berluti
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | | | - Shawn A. Rhoads
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | | | - Elise M. Cardinale
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Emily L. Robertson
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Brian Walitt
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda. Maryland
| | - John W. VanMeter
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
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Peeters DGA, Lange WG, von Borries AKL, Franke B, Volman I, Homberg JR, Verkes RJ, Roelofs K. Threat-Avoidance Tendencies Moderate the Link Between Serotonin Transporter Genetic Variation and Reactive Aggression. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:562098. [PMID: 33132858 PMCID: PMC7549659 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.562098] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The short (S) allele of the serotonin transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism has been linked to reactive aggression in men, but this association is less consistent in females. Reactive aggression has been particularly described as a result of fear-driven defense to threat, but how this interaction between defensive behavior and aggression is expressed in S-allele carriers remains unknown. In order to explore this interplay between 5-HTTLPR genotype, defensive behavior and reactive aggression, we combined genotyping with objective measures of action tendencies toward angry faces in an approach-avoidance task (AAT) and reactive aggression in the Taylor aggression paradigm (TAP) in healthy females, N = 95. This study shows that female S-allele carriers in general display increased implicit reactive aggression (administering aversive white noise) toward opponents. Furthermore, we found that threat-avoidance tendencies moderate the association between 5-HTTLPR genotype and aggression displayed on the TAP. Together, these findings indicate a positive correlation between avoidance of angry faces in the AAT and reactive aggression in the TAP exclusively present in S-allele carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah G. A. Peeters
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Wolf-Gero Lange
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - A. Katinka L. von Borries
- Department of Psychocardiology, Clinic for Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Bergmannsheil und Kinderklinik Buer GmbH, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
- Institute for Stressmedicine, ISM Rhein Ruhr, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Inge Volman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Robbert-Jan Verkes
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Karin Roelofs
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Wang Y, Yang Q, Zhu B, Ye S, Tian X, Krueger F. High levels of psychopathic traits increase the risk of transferring reactive aggression to innocent people after provocation: Evidence from an ERP study. Biol Psychol 2020; 153:107891. [PMID: 32437902 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2020.107891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the neuropsychological underpinnings of reactive aggression toward innocent people in a student population with different levels of psychopathic traits. While recording event-related potentials, participants (divided into high/low psychopathic [HP/LP] traits groups) competed against two fictitious opponents in a modified Taylor Aggression Paradigm. We found that the HP group compared to the LP group selected more often high-intensity punishment for the second innocent opponent after being provoked by the first opponent. Further, a more negative N2 and a smaller P3 was found in the HP group while punishing the innocents-reflecting a tendency on antisocial-aggressive behavior. Finally, both groups showed a more negative FRN for losing than winning trials when seeing the outcome of the game. Our results suggest that high psychopathic traits increase the risk of transferring provoked aggression to innocent people-offering a psychophysiological perspective for explaining and predicting aggression against the innocents in social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Wang
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qun Yang
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Bing Zhu
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuer Ye
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Tian
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Frank Krueger
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA; Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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Azevedo J, Vieira-Coelho M, Castelo-Branco M, Coelho R, Figueiredo-Braga M. Impulsive and premeditated aggression in male offenders with antisocial personality disorder. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229876. [PMID: 32142531 PMCID: PMC7059920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aggression is a clinical symptom of various psychiatric disorders that can be conceptualised as a physical act towards another person with the intent to cause harm. In antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), aggression is a frequent manifestation that differently compromise therapeutic and prognostic goals according to its impulsive or premeditated categorisation. ASPD is characterised by high levels of impulsivity, psychopathic traits, and a high prevalence of co-morbid substance use disorders (SUDs). Aggression in ASPD patients may determine long and recurrent imprisonment thus representing a challenge clinicians and legal experts face. OBJECTIVES Our aims were to characterise impulsive and premeditated aggression in male ASPD offenders as well as to determine the potential role of SUDs, impulsivity, and psychopathic traits as predictors. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study we evaluated a sample of ASPD offenders with a battery of clinical and psychometric, standardised instruments: the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), the European Version of the Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI), the Barratt Impulsivity Scale Version 11 (BIS-11), and the Impulsive/Premeditated Aggression Scale (IPAS). RESULTS We used a total sample of 134 offenders, all of whom were male. ASPD patients (n = 96) had a 71.9% prevalence of impulsive aggression and a 28.1% prevalence of premeditated aggression. ASPD patients with impulsive aggression had significantly lower scores of total PCL-R (p<0.01) factor 1 and interpersonal facet 1 (p<0.05), compared with ASPD patients with premeditated aggression. ASPD patients with impulsive aggression and ASPD patients with premeditated aggression had comparable BIS-11 mean scores, and exhibited an equal prevalence of SUDs. The interpersonal facet 1of the PCL-R predicted the aggression type (p<0.05) in ASPD patients, and the exponential beta value for facet 1 was 1.42 (CI = 1.03; 1.95). CONCLUSIONS The aggression type that is associated with ASPD is mainly impulsive in nature. ASPD patients who have higher scores of psychopathic traits have a lower probability of exhibiting impulsive aggression and a higher probability of exhibiting premeditated aggression. Although ASPD patients have high levels of impulsivity and a high frequency of SUDs, these two variables were not predictors of the aggression type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinto Azevedo
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Vieira-Coelho
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biomedicine – Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- CiBit - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, ICNAS, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Coelho
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Figueiredo-Braga
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Psychopathic Sims: Testing the Cheater-Hawk Hypothesis in a Video Game. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-020-00231-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Monoamine and neuroendocrine gene-sets associate with frustration-based aggression in a gender-specific manner. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 30:75-86. [PMID: 29191428 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Investigating phenotypic heterogeneity in aggression and understanding the molecular biological basis of aggression subtypes may lead to new prevention and treatment options. In the current study, we evaluated the taxonomy of aggression and examined specific genetic mechanisms underlying aggression subtypes in healthy males and females. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to replicate a recently reported three-factor model of the Reactive Proactive Questionnaire (RPQ) in healthy adults (n = 661; median age 24.0 years; 41% male). Gene-set association analysis, aggregating common genetic variants within (a combination of) three molecular pathways previously implicated in aggression, i.e. serotonergic, dopaminergic, and neuroendocrine signaling, was conducted with MAGMA software in males and females separately (total n = 395) for aggression subtypes. We replicate the three-factor CFA model of the RPQ, and found males to score significantly higher on one of these factors compared to females: proactive aggression. The genetic association analysis showed a female-specific association of genetic variation in the combined gene-set with a different factor of the RPQ; reactive aggression due to internal frustration. Both the neuroendocrine and serotonergic gene-sets contributed significantly to this association. Our genetic findings are subtype- and sex-specific, stressing the value of efforts to reduce heterogeneity in research of aggression etiology. Importantly, subtype- and sex-differences in the underlying pathophysiology of aggression suggest that optimal treatment options will have to be tailored to the individual patient. Male and female needs of intervention might differ, stressing the need for sex-specific further research of aggression. Our work highlights opportunities for sample size maximization offered by population-based studies of aggression.
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Smeijers D, Bulten EBH, Brazil IA. The Computations of hostile biases (CHB) model: Grounding hostility biases in a unified cognitive framework. Clin Psychol Rev 2019; 73:101775. [PMID: 31726277 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Our behavior is partly a product of our perception of the world, and aggressive individuals have been found to have 'hostility biases' in their perception and interpretation of social information. Four types of hostility biases can be distinguished: the hostile attribution, interpretation, expectation, and perception bias. Such low-level biases are believed to have a profound influence on decision-making, and possibly also increase the likelihood of engaging in aggressive acts. The current review systematically examined extant research on the four types of hostility bias, with a particular focus on the associations between each type of hostility bias and aggressive behavior. The results confirmed the robust association between hostility biases and aggressive behavior. However, it is still unknown how exactly hostility biases are acquired. This is also caused by a tendency to study hostility biases separately, as if they are non-interacting phenomena. Another issue is that current approaches cannot directly quantify the latent cognitive processes pertaining to the hostility biases, thus creating an explanatory gap. To fill this gap, we embedded the results of the systematic review in a state-of-the-art computational framework, which provides a novel mechanistic account with testable predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danique Smeijers
- Forensic Psychiatric Centre Pompestichting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Erik B H Bulten
- Forensic Psychiatric Centre Pompestichting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Inti A Brazil
- Forensic Psychiatric Centre Pompestichting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Rouchy E, Garcia M, Soulet E, Michel G. Étude exploratoire sur le rôle des antécédents de tentatives de suicide et de l’agressivité pro et réactive dans le risque de récidive violente auprès d’une population d’hommes incarcérés. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wendt GW, Bartoli AJ. Understanding the psychopathy-stress association in typical developing adults: The role of emotional deficits. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Book A, Methot-Jones T, Blais J, Hosker-Field A, Volk A, Visser BA, Gauthier N, Holden RR, D'Agata MT. Psychopathic Traits and the Cheater-Hawk Hypothesis. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2019; 34:3229-3251. [PMID: 27651447 DOI: 10.1177/0886260516669168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study was a direct test of the cheater-hawk hypothesis which argues that psychopathy is related to two potentially adaptive interpersonal strategies: cheating and aggression. As expected, the measures of cheater and hawk behaviors comprised a single factor, according to a maximum-likelihood factor analysis. As hypothesized, psychopathic traits exhibited large positive correlations with measures of both cheater (entitlement, exploitiveness, and short-term mating orientation) and hawk (vengeance and aggression) behaviors. Furthermore, psychopathic traits were associated with the tendency of using individualistic and competitive tactics in an altruism game and being less likely to act in a prosocial manner. Finally, scores on the combined-cheater hawk variable were significantly correlated with psychopathic traits. As hypothesized, individuals scoring high on Factor 1 of psychopathy were more likely to utilize behaviors and strategies associated with the cheater-hawk designation, whether or not they scored high on Factor 2 of psychopathy. In general, the findings support the conceptualization that psychopathy represents a fast life-history strategy characterized by seeking personal gain over others, including exploitiveness (cheater), aggression (hawk), and risk taking. Results also indicate that cheater and hawk behaviors are part of a single strategy more often employed by those higher on psychopathic traits. Implications for treatment success are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Book
- 1 Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Julie Blais
- 2 Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Anthony Volk
- 1 Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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Correia S, Brendgen M, Vitaro F. The role of norm salience in aggression socialization among friends: Distinctions between physical and relational aggression. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0165025419854133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Socialization among aggressive friends is believed to play a critical role in the development of aggressive behavior. This study examined the moderating effect of norm salience in the classroom on the association between reciprocal friends’ and children’s own physical, relational, and general aggression. A total of 713 children ( M = 10.32 years, SD = 0.99) in grades 4 to 6 completed a peer nomination inventory in the fall and spring of the same academic year. Norm salience was operationalized as the class- and sex-specific correlation between each form of aggression and social preference. Norm salience moderated relational aggression socialization among friends only for highly relationally aggressive girls. Specifically, socialization was exacerbated when norm salience was favorable and attenuated when norm salience was unfavorable, suggesting that highly relationally aggressive girls may possess skills allowing them to adapt to the social context in which they and their friends interact. In contrast, boys’ general aggression socialization was exacerbated when norm salience was neutral or unfavorable, suggesting that boys who affiliate with aggressive friends may be more susceptible to aggressive friends’ influence in general and especially in the context of potential peer rejection. No moderating effect of norm salience was found in regards to physical aggression socialization. Results suggest that interventions aimed at changing acceptability of aggression in the classroom may only be effective in specific subgroups of aggressive youth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Brendgen
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Canada
- Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Canada
| | - Frank Vitaro
- Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Canada
- School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Canada
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Fung ALC. Adolescent Reactive and Proactive Aggression, and Bullying in Hong Kong: Prevalence, Psychosocial Correlates, and Prevention. J Adolesc Health 2019; 64:S65-S72. [PMID: 31122552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The negative impacts of aggressive bullying behavior by adolescents on both the bullies and victims are being increasingly recognized as social and economic problems. At the same time, there are alarming trends in face-to-face and online aggression and bullying behavior in Hong Kong. Since the 1970s, prevention and intervention programs to reduce bullying behavior have been implemented in schools in Western countries; however, antibullying and antiaggression programs in Hong Kong schools only began in the 2000s. There are two ways of defining the target groups for these intervention programs. Programs using a one-factor model categorize the adolescents who exhibit bullying behavior into a single group, bullies, whereas two-factor models distinguish two subtypes of aggression: reactive and proactive aggression. The former approach is emphasized in the Restorative Whole-school Approach with Shared Concern method, which uses mediation to reduce bullying in schools. The two-factor approach differentiates adolescents' behaviors into reactive, proactive, or occurring reactive-proactive aggression based on the functions and underlying goals of their actions. Specific interventions are then designed to address the particular features and psychosocial correlates of reactive and proactive aggression. The aim is to develop the positive development attributes related to specific types of aggression and thus reduce aggressive behavior in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annis Lai Chu Fung
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, PR China.
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Zhu W, Zhou X, Xia LX. Brain structures and functional connectivity associated with individual differences in trait proactive aggression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7731. [PMID: 31118455 PMCID: PMC6531458 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44115-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although considerable efforts have been made to understand the neural underpinnings of (state) reactive aggression, which is triggered by provocation or perceived threat, little is known about the neural correlates of proactive aggression, which is driven by instrumental motivations to obtain personal gains through aggressive means and which varies dramatically across individuals in terms of tendency of appealing to such means. Here, by combining structural (grey matter density, GMD) and functional (resting-state functional connection, RSFC) fMRI, we investigated brain structures and functional networks related to trait proactive aggression. We found that individual differences in trait proactive aggression were positively associated with GMD in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and negatively correlated with GMD in posterior cingulate cortex (PCC); they were also negatively correlated with the strength of functional connectivity between left PCC and other brain regions, including right DLPFC, right IPL, right MPFC/ACC, and bilateral precuneus. These findings shed light on the differential brain bases of proactive and reactive aggressions and suggested the neural underpinnings of proactive aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Zhu
- Research Center of Psychology and Social Development, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhou
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
| | - Ling-Xiang Xia
- Research Center of Psychology and Social Development, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China.
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Del Pozzo J, Athineos C, Zar T, Cruz LN, King CM. Frustrative Non-reward and Lab-Based Paradigms for Advancing the Study of Aggression in Persons with Psychosis. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40473-019-00173-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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47
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Dinić BM, Raine A. An Item Response Theory Analysis and Further Validation of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ): The Serbian Adaptation of the RPQ. J Pers Assess 2019; 102:469-479. [PMID: 30977674 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2019.1573430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to further explore the psychometric properties of the Serbian adaptation of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) using item response theory to gain insight into measurement precision (information) and differential item functioning (DIF) across sexes. The sample consisted of 1,268 community-dwelling adults. Results confirmed a 2-factor structure and showed good reliabilities. Information of the reactive aggression scale covered a wider range of traits, but in the case of proactive aggression, it was limited in above-average and average levels of traits. Additionally, the impact of DIF on total scores was negligible. Furthermore, latent profile analysis showed that a clear proactive aggression profile could not be isolated, indicating that proactive aggression cooccurs with reactive aggression. However, both scales evidenced differential correlates. Reactive aggression was positively associated with anger and hostility and was negatively associated with agreeableness and forgiveness, whereas proactive aggression was positively related to indirect aggression and negatively to honesty-humility and emotionality. Taken together, although information for the proactive aggression scale is problematic, results overall support the 2-factor model of the RPQ and unbiased scale scores across sexes, and add further to the validity and cross-cultural generalizability of this scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojana M Dinić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Adrian Raine
- Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania
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McCreery MP, Krach SK, Bacos CA, Laferriere JR, Head DL. Can Video Games Be Used as a Stealth Assessment of Aggression? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GAMING AND COMPUTER-MEDIATED SIMULATIONS 2019. [DOI: 10.4018/ijgcms.2019040103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The current pilot study examined how well a reflective moral-choice video game predicted the rating scale scores of aggression types. To begin, the authors used a coding system to examine in-game proactive and reactive behaviors. This analysis resulted in a tallied score for each construct. These game-based scores were then included in regression models, examining how well within-game behaviors predict scores on a pre-existing rating scale of both proactive and reactive aggression. Findings indicated that game-based proactive scores were not predictive of proactive aggression ratings; however, reactive game-based scores were predictive of reactive aggression ratings. Implications for these findings are discussed.
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Thomson ND, Kiehl KA, Bjork JM. Violence and aggression in young women: The importance of psychopathy and neurobiological function. Physiol Behav 2019; 201:130-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Gray NS, Weidacker K, Snowden RJ. Psychopathy and impulsivity: The relationship of psychopathy to different aspects of UPPS-P impulsivity. Psychiatry Res 2019; 272:474-482. [PMID: 30611967 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Impulsivity is thought to be a major component of psychopathy. However, impulsivity is a multi-faceted concept, and different facets may have differential relationships to psychopathy. We measured impulsivity via the UPPS-P in a sample of prisoners and in patients in a personality disorder service resident in secure psychiatric care. Psychopathy in the prison sample was measured via the clinician-rated Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version and in the patients via the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised. We found that the Lifestyle/Antisocial factor (Factor 2) was associated with acting rashly when emotional (Negative Urgency and Positive Urgency). However, the Interpersonal/Affective factor (Factor 1) was associated with reduced impulsivity in the domains of premeditation and perseverance, and its unique variance was also associated with less rash behaviour. The Interpersonal facet (Facet 1) was particularly associated with reduced impulsivity. The results show that individuals with high Interpersonal traits of psychopathy can plan carefully and are persistent in their goals. This may underpin instrumental violence and criminal behaviour. Thus, a simple unitary understanding of the relationship between psychopathy and impulsivity may not be valid and may distort the multifaceted relationship between the two concepts that could assist in the assessment and management of psychopathic offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola S Gray
- Department of Psychology, University of Swansea, Swansea, Wales, UK; Caswell Clinic, Glanrhyd Hospital, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend, Wales, UK
| | - Kathrin Weidacker
- Department of Psychology, University of Swansea, Swansea, Wales, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robert J Snowden
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AT, UK.
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