Abstract

Empirical evidence suggests an association between psychopathic traits, depressive symptoms and delinquent behavior in community samples of adolescents. In this study, a sample of 243 high school students completed questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms and psychopathic traits (callousness and narcissistic traits). There were significant positive correlations between depressive symptoms, callousness and narcissistic traits. Narcissistic traits appeared to be a mediator between depressive mood and callousness while depressive mood was the main predictor of impulsivity/poor behavioral control. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that impulsivity/poor behavioral control, callous and narcissistic traits are defenses against depressed mood. Narcissistic defenses may prepare the development of callousness. There might be a developmental process from depressive symptoms to psychopathic traits and behavior problems in adolescents.

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