Rasgos psicopáticos infanto-juveniles: evaluación e implicaciones en un estudio prospectivo

Abstract

This research analyzes data from a long-term longitudinal project with the aim of studying the implications of childhood psychopathic traits (measured through the mCPS; modified Child Psychopathy Scale) in adolescent antisocial behavior. Data from 141 children (mean age=7.80), followed-up six and ten years later, were analyzed. Results indicate that children high in psychopathic traits show relatively high levels of behavioural problems in early adolescence. Moreover, throughout adolescence they show a higher increase in their involvement with antisocial peers, cannabis use, and proactive aggression. Thus, results show that psychopathic traits measured in childhood are linked to a more unfavorable development, particularly to indicators classically associated to adult psychopathic personality (e.g., proactive aggression).