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Bégin V, Mavungu-Blouin C, Hamilton M, Therriault D, Le Corff Y, Déry M. Primary and Secondary Variants of Callous-Unemotional Traits in Children with Conduct Problems: A Longitudinal Follow-up During Adolescence. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024; 52:933-948. [PMID: 38334909 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-024-01168-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Recent empirical work has suggested that youths with conduct problems and presenting high levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits can be divided in two variants (i.e., primary, secondary) presenting specific characteristics and needs, but studies examining outcomes associated longitudinally with variants memberships remain scarce. Building on a previous investigation in which we identified variants of CU traits among children with conduct problems, we examined differences between groups on a wide range of behavioral/psychological, relational/social, and educational outcomes assessed during adolescence (n = 309, mean age = 17.4, SD = 0.96). When compared to those from the primary variant, youths from the secondary variant reported higher levels of conduct, opposition, attention deficit/hyperactivity and anxiety problems, had lower teacher-reported academic performance, experienced more conflictual relationships with their teachers, and were at higher risk of being victimized by their intimate partner. These results shed light on the specific clinical characteristics of children from the secondary variant that are likely to persist until adolescence. Providing these children with intensive preventive interventions targeting these long-term consequences could be particularly beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Bégin
- Department of Psychoeducation, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.
- Group for Research and Intervention on Children's Social Adjustment, Sherbrooke, Canada.
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Corinne Mavungu-Blouin
- Department of Psychoeducation, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Group for Research and Intervention on Children's Social Adjustment, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Mathis Hamilton
- Department of Psychoeducation, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Group for Research and Intervention on Children's Social Adjustment, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Danyka Therriault
- Department of Psychoeducation, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Group for Research and Intervention on Children's Social Adjustment, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Yann Le Corff
- Group for Research and Intervention on Children's Social Adjustment, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Department of Vocational Guidance, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Michèle Déry
- Department of Psychoeducation, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Group for Research and Intervention on Children's Social Adjustment, Sherbrooke, Canada
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de Oliveira JD, Jordaan J, Cronjé M. Morality, self-control, age, type of offence and sentence length as predictors of psychopathy amongst female incarcerated offenders in South Africa. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299847. [PMID: 38547082 PMCID: PMC10977693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been an increase in female incarcerated offenders nationally and internationally. Despite this trend, literature and research on female offenders remain limited compared to their male counterparts. Evidence of the relationship between certain personality disorders and offending behaviour has led numerous countries to prioritise identifying and assessing personality disorders among the offender population. Psychopathic personality traits may contribute to women's risk factors for expressing antisocial behaviours, resulting in their potential future incarceration. Thus, a need exists to understand possible factors that may predict the expression of psychopathic traits in females, which may have notable utility among female offenders. This study aimed to investigate possible predictor variables of psychopathy amongst incarcerated female offenders in South Africa. A quantitative research approach, non-experimental research type, and correlational research design were employed. A convenience sampling technique was used. The sample consisted of 139 (N = 139) female offenders housed in two correctional centres in South Africa who voluntarily participated in this study. Correlation analyses and hierarchical regression analysis procedures were conducted to analyse the results. Results indicated (i) a certain combination of predictor variables that statistically and practically significantly explained both primary and secondary psychopathy and (ii) individual predictor variables (e.g., Impulsivity, Simple Tasks, Risk-Seeking, and Self-Centredness) that explained both primary and secondary psychopathy statistically and practically significantly. This study provides valuable information about the possible predictor variables of psychopathy amongst female offenders within the context of South Africa. However, further research must be conducted to validate these findings and advance our knowledge on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacques Jordaan
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
| | - Matthew Cronjé
- Department of Criminology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
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Blanchard AE, Keenan G, Heym N, Sumich A. COVID-19 prevention behaviour is differentially motivated by primary psychopathy, grandiose narcissism and vulnerable Dark Triad traits. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 204:112060. [PMID: 36588787 PMCID: PMC9794185 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.112060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, narcissism) are associated with nonadherence to COVID-19 prevention measures such as social distancing and wearing face masks, although the psychological mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain unclear. In contrast, high threat-sensitivity may motivate compliance, and maybe seen in relation to vulnerable dark traits (secondary psychopathy, vulnerable narcissism and borderline personality disorder). The relationship between vulnerable dark traits and COVID-19 prevention behaviour has not been examined. During April 2021, participants (n = 263) completed an online psychometric study assessing engagement with COVID-19 prevention behaviour, traditional DT traits (primary psychopathy; grandiose narcissism) and vulnerable DT traits. Potential indirect effects were fear of COVID-19, perceived coronavirus severity, belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and altruism. Model of path analysis identified predictors of engagement in disease prevention behaviour. Primary psychopathy, grandiose narcissism, secondary psychopathy and BPD were associated with less COVID-19 prevention behaviour, with an indirect effect of reduced coronavirus severity. Grandiose narcissism and BPD were also motivated by COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and increased prevention behaviour when fear of COVID-19 was higher. No direct or indirect effects were observed for vulnerable narcissism. The current study is the first to elucidate psychological mechanisms linking vulnerable dark traits with COVID-19 prevention behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson E Blanchard
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, United Kingdom
| | - Greg Keenan
- Department of Psychology, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool L16 9JD, United Kingdom
| | - Nadja Heym
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Sumich
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, United Kingdom
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Trajectories of Psychopathic Traits, Anxiety, and Violence Exposure Differentially Predict Antisociality in Legal System-Involved Youth. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:833-845. [PMID: 36729263 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Psychopathic traits are associated with several forms of antisociality, including criminal offending, legal system involvement, and substance use. Some research suggests that primary (high psychopathic traits, low negative emotions) versus secondary (high psychopathic traits, high negative emotions and/or negative experiences and environments) variants confer different levels of risk for antisociality. However, research has not examined trajectories of co-occurring fluctuations in psychopathic traits, negative emotions, and negative experiences and environments or how trajectory membership relates to antisociality. We implemented group-based multi-trajectory modeling in a sample of 809 justice-involved male (n = 681) and female (n = 128) youth from the Pathways to Desistance Study to address these gaps. We identified four trajectories of co-occurring change in psychopathic traits, anxiety, and violence exposure spanning three years: Low (low levels of each factor); Moderate Psychopathic Traits, High Negative Emotions and Experiences (moderate-decreasing psychopathic traits and high-decreasing anxiety/violence exposure); Potential Primary Psychopathic Traits (elevated-decreasing psychopathic traits, moderate-decreasing anxiety, moderate-stable violence exposure); and High/Secondary Psychopathic Traits (high-stable psychopathic traits, elevated-stable anxiety, high-decreasing violence exposure). Compared to the Low trajectory, all trajectories predicted greater violent crime and substance use three and four years later. Additionally, compared to the Low trajectory, the Potential Primary Psychopathic Traits trajectory predicted more nonviolent offending three years later. Finally, the High/Secondary Psychopathic Traits trajectory showed the most persistent antisociality, predicting more nonviolent crime, higher substance dependence symptoms, and higher likelihood of arrest three and four years later. Youth with co-occurring high psychopathic traits, anxiety, and violence exposure appear most at risk for severe antisociality.
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Goulter N, Craig SG, McMahon RJ. Primary and secondary callous-unemotional traits in adolescence are associated with distinct maladaptive and adaptive outcomes in adulthood. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:274-289. [PMID: 34009113 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421000481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
While phenotypically indistinguishable with respect to callousness, individuals with primary and secondary callous-unemotional (CU) traits may show different developmental outcomes. This research predominantly comprised cross-sectional studies of male participants with a focus on maladaptive correlates. Thus, the present study examined whether youth with primary and secondary CU traits identified in Grade 7 reported distinct maladaptive outcomes (internalizing, externalizing, and substance use problems; criminal offenses; and sexual and partner experiences) and adaptive outcomes (health and wellbeing, education, and employment) in adulthood at age 25. We also examined sex differences. Participants included the high-risk control and normative samples from the Fast Track project (N = 754, male = 58%, Black = 46%). Youth with secondary CU traits reported higher levels of adult internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, a greater number of sexual partners and risky sexual behavior, and a greater number of violent offenses, compared with individuals with primary CU traits and those with low CU and anxiety symptoms. Conversely, youth with primary CU traits and low symptoms had higher wellbeing and happiness scores than those with secondary CU traits. Finally, there was differentiation on outcomes between female primary and secondary CU variants and male primary and secondary CU variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Goulter
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephanie G Craig
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert J McMahon
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Donohue MR, Hoyniak CP, Tillman R, Barch DM, Luby J. Associations of observed callous-unemotional behaviors in early childhood with conduct problems and substance use over 14 years. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:421-432. [PMID: 36914291 PMCID: PMC10014890 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421000791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors (i.e., low concern and active disregard for others) uniquely predict severe conduct problems and substance use when present by late childhood. Less is known about the predictive utility of CU behaviors displayed in early childhood, when morality is developing and interventions may be more effective. Children aged 4-7 years (N = 246; 47.6% girls) completed an observational task wherein they were encouraged to tear an experimenter's valued photograph, and blind raters coded children's displayed CU behaviors. During the next 14 years, children's conduct problems (i.e., oppositional defiant and conduct symptoms) and age of onset of substance use were assessed. Compared to children displaying fewer CU behaviors, children displaying greater CU behaviors were 7.61 times more likely to meet criteria for a conduct disorder (n = 52) into early adulthood (95% CI, 2.96-19.59; p = <.0001), and their conduct problems were significantly more severe. Greater CU behaviors were associated with earlier onset of substance use (B = -.69, SE = .32, t = -2.14, p = .036). An ecologically valid observed indicator of early CU behavior was associated with substantially heightened risk for conduct problems and earlier onset substance use into adulthood. Early CU behavior is a powerful risk marker identifiable using a simple behavioral task which could be used to target children for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Rose Donohue
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
| | - Caroline P Hoyniak
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
| | - Rebecca Tillman
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
| | - Joan Luby
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
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Dugré JR, Potvin S. Clarifying the role of Cortico-Cortical and Amygdalo-Cortical brain dysconnectivity associated with Conduct Problems. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 37:103346. [PMID: 36791489 PMCID: PMC9958059 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
A recent meta-analysis of resting-state functional connectivity studies revealed that individuals exhibiting antisocial behaviors or conduct problems may show disrupted brain connectivity in networks underpinning socio-affective and attentional processes. However, studies included in the meta-analysis generally rely on small sample sizes and substantially differ in terms of psychometric scales and neuroimaging methodologies. Therefore, we aimed to identify reliable functional brain connectivity alterations associated with severity of conduct problems using a large sample of adolescents and two measures of conduct problems. In a sample of 1416 children and adolescents, mass-univariate analyses of connectivity measures between 333 cortical parcels were conducted to examine the relationship between resting-state functional cortical-cortical connectome and the severity of conduct problems using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). At a liberal threshold, results showed that the functional brain connectivity significantly associated with conduct problems largely differ between the two scales. Indeed, only 21 pairs of brain regions overlapped between the CBCL and SDQ. Permutation feature importance of these 21 brain connectivity measures revealed that connectivity between precentral/postcentral gyri and lateral prefrontal cortex (both ventral and dorsal) were the most important features in explaining variance in conduct problems. The current study highlights that psychometric measures may yield distinct functional connectivity results. Moreover, severity of conduct problems in children and adolescents was mainly associated with deficient functional connectivity of somatomotor and ventral attention networks indicating potential alterations in motor, cognitive and reward processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules R Dugré
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Stéphane Potvin
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
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Kramer MP, Peterson R, Willis EA, Leary AV, Magri T, Cora JL, Dvorak RD. Psychopathy and Protective Behavioral Strategies: PBS Mediates the Relationships between Primary and Secondary Psychopathy and Alcohol Consumption and Problems. Psychiatry 2022; 85:293-307. [PMID: 35349398 DOI: 10.1080/00332747.2022.2052557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The most common conceptualization of psychopathy is a two-factor model of primary psychopathy and secondary psychopathy. Primary psychopathy consists of interpersonally abusive behavior, and callousness. Secondary psychopathy includes impulsive and risky decision making. Past research has found that psychopathy is related to negative outcomes, including increased alcohol consumption and problems, and is inversely related to harm reduction behaviors. Protective behavioral strategies (PBS), behaviors designed to reduce alcohol consumption and associated problems, may mediate the relationship between psychopathy and alcohol pathology. The current study examined the relationship between psychopathy, each subtype of PBS use (serious harm reduction (SHR), manner of drinking (MD) and stopping/limiting drinking (SLD)), alcohol consumption, and alcohol problems.Method: Participants were n = 967 (61.22% female) college students. Participants completed measures assessing psychopathy, PBS use, alcohol consumption, and alcohol problems. A path analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between psychopathy, subtypes of PBS, and alcohol consumption and problems.Results: Results indicated an inverse relationship between primary psychopathy and both SHR PBS and MD PBS, while secondary psychopathy was inversely associated with all three PBS subtypes. SHR PBS was inversely associated with alcohol problems while MD PBS was inversely associated with alcohol consumption.Conclusion: These findings suggest specific PBS subtypes mediate the relationship between primary and secondary psychopathy and alcohol consumption and problems. It may be clinically pertinent to consider targeting PBS use, such as with motivational interviewing, when working with patients exhibiting psychopathy traits. Future research should consider these findings when examining alcohol use.
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Hsini A, Aouina AA, Ridha R, Cheour M. Correlates of psychopathy in a Tunisian sample of incarcerated women. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 82:102232. [PMID: 34385020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102232] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considerable effort has been devoted to elucidating correlates of psychopathy in males, but only few researchers have turned their attention to this field in female counterparts, with most of the research in this field having been driven from western countries. We aimed to explore psychopathic traits, impulsiveness and psychiatric symptoms that characterize a Tunisian female prison population. METHOD Data were collected in a cross-sectional design during September 2017. The sample was comprised of 100 adult females who were incarcerated at the "Manouba Women's Prison" at the time of the survey. The Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and The Brief Symptom Inventory were used. RESULTS In the univariate analysis, socioeconomic level (p = .001), tobacco use (p = .001), poly drug use (p = .014) and physically aggressive behaviors in the 6 months before incarceration (p = .043) were significantly associated with psychopathy total scores. After multivariable adjustment, motor impulsiveness (β = 0.426, p < .01) and phobic anxiety (β = 0.284, p < .05) contributed significantly to the variance of psychopathy total scores. CONCLUSION The current findings not only add to the growing body of literature on female psychopathy, but also help inform decision making about mental health-related programs and policies in female prison settings in underdeveloped and underrepresented countries similar to our sociocultural context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunisia; Razi Hospital, Mannouba, Tunisia.
| | - Ameni Hsini
- Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunisia; Razi Hospital, Mannouba, Tunisia.
| | - Asma Achouri Aouina
- Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunisia; Manouba Women's Prison, The General Direction of Prisons and Rehabilitation, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Rym Ridha
- Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunisia; Razi Hospital, Mannouba, Tunisia.
| | - Majda Cheour
- Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunisia; Razi Hospital, Mannouba, Tunisia.
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A Cumulative Substance Use Score as a Novel Measure to Predict Risk of Criminal Recidivism in Forensic Juvenile Male Outpatients. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 52:30-40. [PMID: 32246360 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-00986-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate a newly developed cumulative measure for substance use problems as predictor of criminal recidivism in youth. Questionnaires-based substance-related behaviors (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and further drugs), and interview-based psychiatric disorders were assessed in a sample of 142 male adolescent forensic outpatients in Zurich, Switzerland (mean age 16.8 years, SD = 1.4 years). Cox regressions were used to test whether substance use behaviors/disorders were predictors of officially recorded criminal offenses 365 days after the initial assessment. The cumulative substance problem score (SPS) was a valid measure for assessing the risk of criminal recidivism for youth having 2-3 (OR 2.24-2.56) and 4+ problems (OR 3.40-4.37) in comparison to youth with 0-1 problems. Forensic experts and clinicians should comprehensively assess substance use patterns in juvenile offenders and may use the SPS as an indicator for further criminal risks. Additional analysis of the SPS in other forensic samples and cultures would be worthwhile.
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A Systematic Review of Primary and Secondary Callous-Unemotional Traits and Psychopathy Variants in Youth. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2020; 24:65-91. [PMID: 33079293 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-020-00329-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Two variants of callous-unemotional (CU) traits and psychopathy have been proposed, referred to as primary and secondary. Whereas primary variants are thought to be underpinned by insufficient arousal to emotional cues, secondary variants are thought to develop as a coping mechanism in response to trauma exposure. Compared with adult samples, research on primary and secondary variants in children and adolescents under the age of 18 has only emerged in the past decade, and there is ongoing debate with regards to the identification, defining characteristics, and distinct correlates of these variants. The present systematic review synthesizes the current literature on primary and secondary variants in relation to: (1) constructs used to distinguish and define primary and secondary variants; (2) study population characteristics; (3) data analytic techniques to differentiate variants; and (4) differential associations with theoretically relevant indices related to emotional processing, maltreatment, biomarkers, and behavioral outcomes (e.g., substance use, aggression). This is the first systematic review to examine the growing literature on primary and secondary CU and psychopathy variants among youth. Findings support the distinction between youth with primary versus secondary variants and demonstrate that this distinction is related to unique clinical correlates. Recommendations are made for future research in the field.
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12
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Waller R, Hawes SW, Byrd AL, Dick AS, Sutherland MT, Riedel MC, Tobia MJ, Bottenhorn KL, Laird AR, Gonzalez R. Disruptive Behavior Problems, Callous-Unemotional Traits, and Regional Gray Matter Volume in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 5:481-489. [PMID: 32144045 PMCID: PMC7214118 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurobiological differences linked to socioemotional and cognitive processing are well documented in youths with disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs), especially youths with callous-unemotional (CU) traits. The current study expanded this literature by examining gray matter volume (GMV) differences among youths with DBD with CU traits (DBDCU+), youths with DBD without CU traits (DBD-only), and youths that were typically developing (TD). METHODS Data were from the first full sample release of the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study (mean age = 9.49 years; 49% female). We tested whether the GMVs of 11 regions of interest selected a priori differentiated between our 3 groups: DBDCU+ (n = 288), DBD-only (n = 362), and TD (n = 915). Models accounted for demographic confounders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intracranial volume. We examined two potential moderators of the relationship between GMVs and group membership: sex and clinically significant anxiety (i.e., primary vs. secondary CU traits subtype). RESULTS Youths in the DBDCU+ group had lower right amygdala GMV, and youths in the DBD-only group had lower bilateral amygdala GMV relative to TD youths. Youths in the DBDCU+ group had lower bilateral hippocampal GMV, and youths in the DBD-only group had lower left hippocampal GMV relative to TD youths. Youths in the DBDCU+ group evidenced lower left insula GMV relative to TD youths. Finally, youths in the DBD-only group had lower left superior frontal gyrus and lower right caudal anterior cingulate cortex GMVs relative to TD youths. There was no moderation of associations between GMV and group membership by sex. CONCLUSIONS Our findings implicate structural aberrations in both the amygdala and hippocampus in the etiology of DBDs, with minimal evidence for differences based on the presence or absence of CU traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Samuel W Hawes
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Amy L Byrd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anthony S Dick
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Michael C Riedel
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Michael J Tobia
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Angela R Laird
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Raul Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
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Moffett S, Javdani S, Miglin R, Sadeh N. Examining latent profiles of psychopathy in a mixed-gender sample of juvenile detainees. Personal Disord 2019; 11:290-299. [PMID: 31763869 DOI: 10.1037/per0000370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
There is growing support for the disaggregation of psychopathy into primary and secondary variants. The present study used latent profile analysis to distinguish psychopathic variants in a sample of male and female adolescent detainees (N = 162). Youth were classified by their scores on the self-report Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, indexing trait Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition, as well as measures of anxiety and guilt. Four groups were found, two of which were nonpsychopathic. Consistent with theory, however, two distinct classes of youth scoring high on psychopathic traits were identified: a primary variant with below-average levels of anxiety and guilt and a secondary variant with markedly above-average levels. Youth in the latter category also presented with the highest levels of psychopathology within the detainee sample. The ratio of males to females was 2:1 within the low-anxious psychopathy variant, and it was 1:2 in the high-anxious psychopathy variant. Implications for identification and treatment of adolescent psychopathic variants are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Naomi Sadeh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
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14
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The Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model and the development of callous-unemotional traits. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:656-671. [PMID: 31618611 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Research implicates callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., lack of empathy, prosociality, and guilt, and reduced sensitivity to others' emotions) in the development of severe and persistent antisocial behavior. To improve etiological models of antisocial behavior and develop more effective treatments, we need a better understanding of the origins of CU traits. In this review, we discuss the role of two psychobiological and mechanistic precursors to CU traits: low affiliative reward (i.e., deficits in seeking out or getting pleasure from social bonding and closeness with others) and low threat sensitivity (i.e., fearlessness to social and non-social threat). We outline the Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model and review studies that have examined the development of affiliative reward and threat sensitivity across animal, neuroimaging, genetic, and behavioral perspectives. We next evaluate evidence for the STAR model, specifically the claim that CU traits result from deficits in both affiliative reward and threat sensitivity. We end with constructive suggestions for future research to test the hypotheses generated by the STAR model.
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