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

M. J. Vitacco, R. Rogers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)374-382
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
Volume29
Issue number4
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Predictors of adolescent psychopathy: The role of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sensation seeking'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this