Stability of Psychopathic Characteristics in Childhood - The Influence of Social Relationships
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2008
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The current study is a preliminary longitudinal investigation of the stability of psychopathic characteristics, including social relationships as a moderator, within a group of aggressive children ( N = 80). Data were collected from the children, their parents, teachers, and peers. Results indicated that the psychopathic characteristics ( callous-unemotional traits, impulsive conduct problems, and narcissism) were relatively stable across three time points. Social relationship variables ( child self-report of social competence, teacher-rated social competence, and peer-rated social preference) were generally correlated with psychopathic characteristics. Self-report of social competence moderated change from Time 1 to Time 2 narcissism based on parent report. Both peer-rated social preference and teacher-rated social competence moderated change from Time 1 to Time 3 impulsive conduct problems. These results provide preliminary support that psychopathic characteristics are generally stable in aggressive children and that social relationships are a potentially valuable point of intervention when children present with these characteristics.
Publication Title
Criminal Justice and Behavior
Volume
35
Issue
2
First Page
244
Last Page
262
Recommended Citation
Barry, T. D.,
Barry, C. T.,
Dening, A. M.,
Lochman, J. E.
(2008). Stability of Psychopathic Characteristics in Childhood - The Influence of Social Relationships. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 35(2), 244-262.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/1541