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.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.