Predictors of adolescent psychopathy: the role of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sensation seeking

Clinical applications to psychopathy encompass downward extensions to adolescent populations. In alliance with clinical practice, several prominent researchers have formulated prediction models for adolescent psychopathy that include various forms of behavioral dysregulation, including impulsivity, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sensation seeking. As a cross-sectional study, the current investigation systematically examined behavioral dysregulation in 79 male adolescents who, as a result of adjudication, were placed them in a maximum-security facility. Impulsivity appeared to be the best predictor of both psychopathy and conduct problems. In addition, conduct-disordered symptoms were predicted mostly by impulsivity, with minor contributions from sensation seeking and ADHD symptoms.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. D. Slater, K. L. Henry, R. C. Swaim, and J. M. Cardador Vulnerable Teens, Vulnerable Times: How Sensation Seeking, Alienation, and Victimization Moderate the Violent Media Content-Aggressiveness Relation Communication Research, December 1, 2004; 31(6): 642 - 668. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. A. Chambers, J. R. Taylor, and M. N. Potenza Developmental Neurocircuitry of Motivation in Adolescence: A Critical Period of Addiction Vulnerability Am J Psychiatry, June 1, 2003; 160(6): 1041 - 1052. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. J. Vitacco, R. Rogers, and C. S. Neumann The Antisocial Process Screening Device: An Examination of its Construct and Criterion-Related Validity Assessment, June 1, 2003; 10(2): 143 - 150. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. Rogers, M. J. Vitacco, K. R. Cruise, K. W. Sewell, and C. S. Neumann Screening for Adolescent Psychopathy among At-Risk Youth: Initial Validation of the Survey of Attitudes and Life Experiences Assessment, December 1, 2002; 9(4): 343 - 350. [Abstract] [PDF]