Psychopathic traits in youth: is there evidence for primary and secondary subtypes?
The current study employed model-based cluster analysis in a sample of male adolescent offenders (n = 94) to examine subtypes based on psychopathic traits and anxiety. Using the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV; Forth et al. 2003) and the self-report Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD; Caputo et al. 1999), analyses identified three clusters in males that varied in the severity of psychopathic traits (low, moderate, and high) and anxiety. The high psychopathic group exhibited more negative personality traits and was judged to be at greater risk for dangerousness whereas the low psychopathic group exhibited more positive personality traits and was judged to be at lower risk for dangerousness. Implications regarding potential developmental differences between adolescent and adult psychopathy, as well as treatment considerations are discussed.
Lee
Zina
Z
Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA. Zina.Lee@kwantlen.ca
Salekin
Randall T
RT
Iselin
Anne-Marie R
AM
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D057237:Criminals; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000145:classification; D008297:Male; D010551:Personality; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires