Exploring the General Psychopathology Factor (p factor) in a Sample of Justice Involved Youths

• In Event: Research from Emerging Scholars in Developmental and Life-Course Criminology

Abstract

The general psychopathology factor (p factor) theory proposes that there is a single latent factor that reflects features shared by all psychopathologies. Although this is a construct of emerging importance and debate in social and behavioral sciences, little work has been done with the p factor in criminology and criminal justice samples. In this paper, we advance the study of the p factor by extending it to examine large sample of justice-involved youths from the Pathways to Desistance study, and explore how it relates to important correlates of crime. We discuss the findings from this project and implications for future criminological research and practice.

Authors

• Raquel V. Oliveira, Augusta University

• Elizabeth Culatta, Augusta University

• Juliana A.D.B Campos, São Paulo State University