Callous-Unemotional Traits, Interpersonal Victimization, and Recidivism among Justice-Involved Youth

• In Event: The Importance of Environmental Influences for Youth with Juvenile Psychopathy

Abstract

The addition of a subtype related to “limited prosocial emotions” in the recently revised DSM-5 criteria for conduct disorder reflects increased recognition of the role of callous-unemotional (CU) traits in delinquency. High levels of CU have been linked to the severity, persistence, and recalcitrance of youth’s offenses. At the same time, a separate body of research has implicated trauma/interpersonal victimization (IV) in juvenile justice-system involvement and recidivism. Although some studies have examined the co-occurrence of IV and CU in justice-involved samples, research has not explicated the combined versus interactive effects of CU and IV as predictors of delinquent behavior and recidivism. To investigate this question, data were drawn from a sample of 775 detained youth (Mean age = 15.5; 26% girls), who completed self-report measures of IV, CU, and delinquent activities; justice system records provided information about youth offenses over the subsequent 12 months. Structural equation models demonstrated that CU was associated with recidivism as per official justice records whereas victimization was associated with self-reported delinquency; moderation analyses showed the impact of CU on recidivism was stronger for boys than girls and was further moderated by the presence of IV, with youth endorsing both at the highest risk of recidivism.

Authors

• Patricia K. Kerig, University of Utah

• Shannon Chaplo, University of Utah

• Crosby Modrowski, University of Utah