Antisocial Process Screening Device Research Articles

Examining the Association between Psychopathic Traits and Fearlessness among Maximum-Security Incarcerated Male Adolescents.

Studies have reported positive associations between youth psychopathy scores and measures of 'fearlessness'. However, prior studies modified fearlessness items to be age appropriate, shifting from assessing hypothetical, extreme forms of physical risk-taking (e.g., flying an airplane) to normative risk-taking (e.g., riding bicycles downhill). We hypothesize that associations between youth psychopathy scores and alternative forms of sensation seeking (i.e., Disinhibition) have been conflated under a false fearlessness label. We tested this hypothesis among incarcerated male adolescents, investigating whether youth psychopathy scores were significantly associated with two different forms of sensation seeking: Disinhibition and Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS). Youth psychopathic traits were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD), Child Psychopathy Scale (CPS), Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits (ICU), and Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI). Disinhibition and fearlessness (i.e., TAS) were assessed using an unmodified version of the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scales (SSS). Consistent with hypotheses, youth psychopathy scores were associated with higher Disinhibition and lower TAS scores. Our results contribute to a growing body of literature suggesting that psychopathic traits, including among adolescents, are not concomitant with physical risk-taking and descriptions of psychopathy including fearlessness distort a precise understanding of psychopathy's core features.

Sex differences in psychopathic traits during early adolescence: The role of heart rate

PurposePsychopathy – a condition associated with early, pervasive, and severe antisocial behaviors – has been found to be relatively stable over the life-course. While studies have documented a consistent sex difference in psychopathy, the explanatory mechanism is unclear. MethodsUsing a sample of 452 youth (Mage = 11.92 years, 49.6% female), this study empirically tests whether lower heart rate during a social stress task could serve as a causal mechanism to explain the sex difference in psychopathic traits as measured by the Antisocial Process Screening Device. ResultsResults support prior evidence that males exhibit lower heart rates than females and that lower heart rate is associated with higher levels of psychopathy. However, heart rate during a stressor does not sufficiently explain the sex difference in psychopathic traits overall, although it seems to partially explain the sex difference in impulsivity, a key behavioral component of psychopathy. DiscussionThe findings suggest that more research is needed to understand how sex differences in psychopathy emerge in early life and encourages further research on the age(s) or developmental stages at which low heart rate – a well-replicated biological correlate of antisociality – is relevant to understanding the etiology of psychopathy and other antisocial behaviors.

Do Self-Reported Psychopathic Traits Moderate the Relations Between Delinquent History Predictors and Recidivism Outcomes in Juvenile Delinquents?

The present study investigates whether self-reported psychopathic traits moderate the relationships between delinquent career features (i.e., age of first detention in a juvenile detention center, crime frequency, crime diversity, crime charges, and Conduct Disorder) and 1-year general delinquency and violent delinquency recidivism outcomes. The sample was composed of male youth ( N = 214, M = 16.4 years, SD = 1.3 years) originating from the juvenile detention centers managed by the Ministry of Justice of Portugal. Results mostly suggest that neither the Antisocial Process Screening Device––Self-Report total score nor its Callous-Unemotional, Impulsivity, and Narcissism factor scores moderate the relationships between the delinquent career variables and general and violent delinquency recidivism outcomes. The notable exception was the interaction between crime frequency and callous-unemotional traits in predicting general recidivism. The current findings question the relevance of self-reported psychopathic traits as moderators of recidivism among juveniles despite the general association between psychopathy and conduct problems among youth.

Skin Conductance Responses to a Discrete Threat in Virtual Reality: Associations with Psychopathy and Anxiety

People with high levels of psychopathic traits are often described as fearless and lacking in emotional depth, particularly when evaluating threats in their environments. Skin conductance responsivity (SCR) to negative emotional stimuli represents a robust autonomic correlate of conduct problem behavior in children (Fanti et al., in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 100, 98–107, 2019). However, studies that have examined threat-related processing in youth with conduct problems have tended to use a variety of negative stimuli that might induce various and unspecific negative emotions. Few studies have taken in to account the moderating effects of anxiety on the relationship of distinct psychopathic traits (e.g., narcissism, callousness, impulsivity) with SCR to a fear inducing stimulus. In this study, we examined SCR to a virtual reality rollercoaster drop – that is, a discrete fear inducing event – in a sample of 75 youths (61 males; M = 14 years, SD = 1.4) enrolled in a non-mainstream school. The rollercoaster drop was used to more clearly examine an event-related response to a discrete threat, rather than examining SCR throughout the rollercoaster ride. We used the teacher-reported Antisocial Process Screening Device (Frick & Hare, in Antisocial process screening device: APSD. Toronto: Multi-Health Systems, 2001) to examine the relations of distinct psychopathic traits with SCR and self-reported anxiety. Lower anxiety was associated with higher callousness, but only in youths with low SCR to discrete threat. These findings suggest that fear and anxiety show complex and interactive relations with distinct psychopathic traits.

The Persian Self-Report Version of the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD-P): A Psychometric Evaluation.

The self-report version of the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) is a commonly used tool for assessing psychopathic traits in youth. This is the first study designed to examine the factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the Persian APSD-SR in a sample of 675 school-attending youth in Iran (46% girls; M age = 16.35). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a modified three-factor model, with items loading on narcissism, callous-unemotional, and impulsivity dimensions, which was invariant across gender. Notwithstanding that the internal consistency of some APSD scores was unsatisfactory, the APSD total and dimension scores showed the expected relations with external correlates (e.g., conduct problems, aggression, and low prosocial behavior), supporting the validity of the interpretation of the APSD scores. The findings showed that the APSD is a useful tool for assessing psychopathic traits in Iranian adolescents and may spark research on adolescent psychopathy in mental health and forensic settings.

FURTHER VALIDATING PROFILES OF IMPULSIVE AGGRESSION IN YOUTH

Prior work identified distinct latent profiles of youth with common principal components between all data sets being aggression with impulsivity and reactivity (AIR), rule-breaking, mania, and depression. Our objective is to characterize youths with AIR by exploring associations between AIR and behavior inhibition and approach system (BIS/BAS), callous-unemotional traits and family history (FH), as well as caregiver’s mood symptoms. We also discuss neuropsychological differences between youth with AIR and those with other profiles. Univariate ANOVAs established correlations between parent/youth reports on the BIS/BAS scale and the established profiles with the principal components. Bivariate correlations and ANOVA explored associations and differences in severity between AIR component scores and Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) scores. Univariate ANOVAs, correlations, χ2 tests, and t tests examined correlations between the caregiver’s mood symptoms and FH with youth’s symptoms, including AIR. Univariate ANOVAs identified patterns across psychopathology profiles, and bivariate correlations evaluated relationships between psychopathology and 13 neuropsychological measures. Profiles that included AIR and/or ADHD and manic symptoms showed greater positive associations with BAS and negative associations with BIS, when compared to a profile characterized by depression. The AIR profile was most associated with impulsivity and narcissism, but not with callous-unemotional traits. Caregiver’s mood symptoms were highest in youths with mixed bipolar symptoms and/or AIR, and showed correlations with AIR, mood problems, and self-harm. FH of mood disorders was correlated with mania, depression, and AIR even though the AIR profile was distinct from mania or depression. Profiles with high hyperactivity/impulsivity, AIR, and severe mood symptoms showed faster response to emotional words, when compared to profiles with mild symptoms and depression. These analyses provide additional evidence for AIR being distinct from mood and attention problems. Profiles that include AIR symptoms possess unique characteristics, which may help differentiate them from other profiles.

Disruptive Behavior Disorders and Psychopathic Traits in Adolescents: Empathy-Related Responses to Witnessing Animal Distress

Cruelty to animals is a symptom of conduct disorder and associated with psychopathic traits in childhood. One of the factors thought to contribute to animal cruelty is reduced empathy and concern for the well-being of animals. A first aim of this study was to examine empathy towards animals in distress in male adolescents with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) and high or low psychopathic traits, and normal controls (NC). Psychopathic traits were assessed by the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD). Respondents were exposed to a short film clip depicting a baby bear in distress. Heart rate (HR) responses were monitored during film exposure. Afterwards, respondents were asked to report the emotions they had observed and experienced. Contrary to expectations based on research on human empathy, no group differences were found in empathy-related responses to witnessing animal distress. Both DBD groups and normal controls observed equal levels of distress in the baby bear, experienced as much empathy and sympathy, and showed similar levels of HR reduction during the most dramatic scene. Results suggest that empathy for humans does not generalize to animals, and vice versa. A second aim was to examine the associations between empathy-related responses and the broad concept of psychopathy as well as its dimensions. The relationships were different and for the most part reversed in the NC and DBD groups. Group proved to be an important moderating factor, indicating that results obtained within a sample of healthy adolescents do not generalize to adolescents with DBD, and vice versa.

A psychometric and validity study of callous-unemotional traits in 2.5\xa0year old children

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are associated with severe and stable antisocial behaviour in childhood and adolescence. In order to understand the earliest origins of CU traits we need first to know whether measurement is reliable and valid in young children. This study evaluated the psychometric properties and validity of a CU traits measure generated from existing child problem behaviour scales at age 2.5 years. The participants were members of an epidemiological longitudinal study starting in pregnancy. Items from the Antisocial Process Screening Device and other problem behaviour scales were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modelling was used to test whether age 2.5 CU traits showed incremental validity in predicting aggression at age 5. The CU measure showed acceptable psychometric properties, factorial invariance by sex and good stability. Incremental prediction to later aggression was evident in girls, whereas boys showed strong continuity in aggression not found for girls.

Childhood Conduct Problems Trajectories are Associated with Distinct Antisocial Process Screening Device Dimensions

There is ongoing debate regarding whether psychopathy dimensions (i.e., narcissism, callous-unemotional [CU] traits, and impulsivity) can be meaningfully identified among youth samples and the correlates of these components. Thus, the present study conducted confirmatory factor analyses of the parent-reported Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD; Frick and Hare 2001) among early adolescents, and examined whether trajectories of conduct problems (CP) through childhood were associated with APSD total and subscale scores. Participants included the normative and high-risk control samples from the Fast Track project (N = 754, male = 58%, Black = 46%). Parents reported on CP in kindergarten, grades 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7, and psychopathy in grade 7. Factor analyses supported the three-factor structure. Latent class growth analyses identified four trajectories of CP including extremely high increasing (3.6%), high stable (21.6%), moderate decreasing (38.7%), and low decreasing (36.1%). All CP trajectories were significantly different from each other on psychopathy total, narcissism, and impulsivity scores; the extremely high increasing and high stable trajectories did not differ from each other on CU traits, but they scored significantly higher than the moderate decreasing and low decreasing trajectories. When controlling for other dimensions, all trajectories were significantly different on narcissism. The extremely high increasing and high stable CP trajectories did not differ from each other on impulsivity, but they scored higher than the moderate decreasing and low trajectories. Only the extremely high increasing and high stable trajectories scored higher than the low decreasing trajectory on CU traits.

Testing the utility of the psychopathy construct for predicting criminal recidivism among detained girls

Few studies have scrutinized the prospective relation between psychopathy and criminality in detained girls. Consequently, it is not well known if the psychopathy construct adds to the prediction of recidivism over other risk factors, such as conduct disorder and past criminality. To address this research gap, the current study examined data from 302 detained girls (M age = 16.2). Psychopathy total and component (i.e., narcissism, callous-unemotional, and impulsivity) scores were derived from the self-report version of the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD). Latent profile analysis was used to identify girls with high scores on the three components (tentatively labeled ‘putative psychopathic personality’). Five youth recidivism outcomes were measured (i.e., violent, serious non-violent, drug, total, and versatile), based on arrest charges that occurred before girls were 18 years of age. With a few exceptions, neither the ASPD total nor the APSD component scores contributed to the prediction of the recidivism outcomes. Girls with a putative psychopathic personality also were not at increased risk for recidivism. Findings overall suggest that the psychopathy construct should not be used for risk assessment purposes among detained girls, at least not when assessed via the self-report version of the APSD.

Dynamic neural circuit disruptions associated with antisocial behaviors.

Antisocial behavior (ASB) is believed to have neural substrates; however, the association between ASB and functional brain networks remains unclear. The temporal variability of the functional connectivity (or dynamic FC) derived from resting‐state functional MRI has been suggested as a useful metric for studying abnormal behaviors including ASB. This is the first study using low‐frequency fluctuations of the dynamic FC to unravel potential system‐level neural correlates with ASB. Specifically, we individually associated the dynamic FC patterns with the ASB scores (measured by Antisocial Process Screening Device) of the male offenders (age: 23.29 ± 3.36 years) based on machine learning. Results showed that the dynamic FCs were associated with individual ASB scores. Moreover, we found that it was mainly the inter‐network dynamic FCs that were negatively associated with the ASB severity. Three major high‐order cognitive functional networks and the sensorimotor network were found to be more associated with ASB. We further found that impaired behavior in the ASB subjects was mainly associated with decreased FC dynamics in these networks, which may explain why ASB subjects usually have impaired executive control and emotional processing functions. Our study shows that temporal variation of the FC could be a promising tool for ASB assessment, treatment, and prevention.

The utility of self-reported psychopathic traits in predicting recidivism among a sample of incarcerated female youths

Only a few studies have prospectively examined the utility of self-reported measures of psychopathic traits in predicting criminal behavior among forensic samples of female youth offenders. The main aim of this study is to compare the utility of two self-report measures of psychopathic-like traits in predicting criminal recidivism among a sample of incarcerated female youths. Participants (N = 76) from the three nation-wide Portuguese juvenile detention centers that admit female youths were followed over two years and prospectively classified as recidivists versus non-recidivists. Logistic regression models controlling for crime frequency and ethnicity revealed that neither the Antisocial Process Screening Device – Self-Report (APSD-SR) nor the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) and their respective dimensions significantly predicted one- and two-year general recidivism and violent recidivism. Findings mostly suggest there are clear limitations in terms of the incremental utility of self-report measures of psychopathic traits in predicting criminal recidivism among incarcerated female juveniles.

Construct validity of youth psychopathic traits as assessed by the Antisocial Process Screening Device.

The study of psychopathic traits in youth is in its nascent stages and the nature and the structure of these traits is still poorly understood. In one of the most comprehensive analyses to date of the construct validity of the widely used Antisocial Processing Screening Device (APSD), we used two independent samples of youth, one community (N = 2203) and one clinic-referred (N = 534), ages 4 to 19 (51% female), to investigate the external correlates of the Callous-unemotionality (CU), Narcissism, and Impulsivity dimensions of youth psychopathy. We used parent reports of externalizing and internalizing psychopathology, personality, and aggressive behavior to examine the pattern of associations between psychopathic trait dimensions and relevant external correlates. Across both samples, CU was positively related to all forms of externalizing psychopathology and aggression, mostly unrelated to internalizing psychopathology, and negatively related to agreeableness and conscientiousness. Narcissism and Impulsivity were positively related to externalizing psychopathology, and aggression, negatively related to agreeableness and conscientiousness, and weakly positively related to internalizing psychopathology. In most cases, each dimension of the APSD manifested statistically significantly different relations with these external correlates. Many of our findings replicate and extend work conducted with both youth and adults, although others suggest that these dimensions do not distinguish among psychopathological domains in conceptually expected ways. Broadly speaking, these findings provide evidence that psychopathic traits in youth are best characterized by a multidimensional model and bear implications for models integrating normative with pathological personality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Elaborating on the construct validity of the antisocial process screening device in Chinese children and adolescents: Across-informants and across-samples

The Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) is a widely used measure to assess psychopathic traits and antisocial behavior in youth, although controversy exists with respect to its factor structure. The aim of the current study was to further examine the factor structure and construct validity of the APSD using data from multiple informants (i.e., parent-report and self-report) and varied samples: community adolescents (N = 1073), male prisoners (N = 613), and schoolchildren (N = 473). Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the existing factor structures (i.e., two-factor, three-factor, and four-factor models) did not yield adequate fit in any of the three samples. Exploratory structural equation modeling approach did not yield a consistent solution among samples, either. The APSD total scores showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and mean item correlations (MIC), while the subscale scores showed low to moderate consistency and MICs. The convergent and criteria validity of both the APSD total and factor scores were supported, exhibiting the expected correlations with other measures of psychopathy and aggressive behavior (r ranging from −.01 to .62 for adolescent sample; from −.16 to .69 for prisoner sample; and from −.05 to .70 for children sample). These findings suggest that the APSD total score is a reasonable measure of psychopathy in the Chinese youth population, although the use of APSD factor scores should be avoided in future studies with Chinese youth since no structural model provided adequate fit with acceptable reliability.

Emotional dysregulation and callous unemotional traits as possible predictors of short-term response to methylphenidate monotherapy in drug-naïve youth with ADHD

BackgroundEmotional dysregulation (ED) and callous unemotional (CU) traits can be associated with ADHD in youth, influencing its natural history and outcome, but their effect on medication efficacy is unexplored. We examined whether two measures of baseline ED and CU traits, the Child Behavior Checklist-Dysregulation Profile (CBCL-DP) and the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD), respectively, were predictors of change of ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) after a 4-week methylphenidate (MPH) monotherapy. Methods43 patients (37 males, 8–16 years, mean 9.9 ± 2.7 years) were included. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to explore whether CBCL-DP and APSD might predict ADHD-RS score, controlling for baseline severity. ResultsBaseline CBCL-DP predicted higher post-treatment ADHD-RS scores in total and hyperactivity-impulsivity, but not in inattention subscale. Baseline APSD was not significantly related to ADHD-RS scores at the follow-up. LimitationsSmall sample size, lack of gender diversity, non-blind design and short period of observation. ConclusionED, assessed with that CBCL-DP, might be a negative predictor of change of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms after MPH treatment and should be systematically assessed at baseline.

Supplemental Material for Construct Validity of Youth Psychopathic Traits as Assessed by the Antisocial Process Screening Device

Supplemental Material for Construct Validity of Youth Psychopathic Traits as Assessed by the Antisocial Process Screening Device

Substance use and antisocial behavior: criterion-related validity of the Antisocial Process Screening Device in Mexican adolescents

Introduction. Adolescents who use drugs present several health problems, including criminal behavior. The Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) is a test that evaluates current conduct disorders in adolescents. Objective. This research carried out a cross-cultural adaptation of the APSD on Mexican population. Method. The original version of the APSD was translated into Mexican Spanish. The final version was administered to 1 070 adolescents (958 students, 72 with minor faults, and 40 with criminal behavior) who completed the APSD and the ENCODE, the National survey on drug use. We computed correlations and regression models between APSD and ENCODE. We carried out a multivariate analysis to compare samples and quantity of drugs. Finally, we fitted the two-and three-factor models of the APSD with a CFA. Results. The APSD scores correlated significantly with all of the ENCODE variables. In the multivariate analysis, the variable quantity of drugs was significant to rise the APSD score (F [3 847] = 7.53, p = .000). The CFA with three factors had the best fit. Reliability analysis suggests acceptable internal consistency (α = .79). Discussion and conclusion. Our results confirmed that the Mexican Spanish version of the APSD has good psychometric properties to be used in future research.

Longitudinal associations among primary and secondary psychopathic traits, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder features across adolescence.

The individual and societal burden of psychopathy warrants an investigation into identifying its early precursors and developmental course. Accordingly, we examined the longitudinal pathways between primary and secondary psychopathic traits, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder (BPD) features across adolescence. Participants included 572 Canadian adolescents (253 girls; aged 13.96 [SD = 0.37] in Grade 8; 70.6% Caucasian) who were assessed annually on five occasions (Grades 8-12) using the Antisocial Process Screening Device (psychopathic traits), the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 (symptoms of anxiety), and the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children (features of BPD). Autoregressive latent trajectory models with structured residuals provided stringent tests of within-person cross-lagged associations, while controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, household income, and parental education. Results indicated that primary psychopathic traits were preceded by and predicted anxiety such that individuals who increased in primary psychopathic traits subsequently declined in anxiety, and vice versa. Results also indicated that BPD features were associated with secondary psychopathic traits and anxiety. Specifically, increases in BPD features were linked with increases in secondary psychopathic traits and anxiety. Our results suggest that even after accounting for between-person associations and other known correlates, the development of psychopathic traits is embedded within the development of emotional characteristics and personality features. This highlights areas for intervention in adolescence, particularly around the core, shared trait of impulsivity and anger. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Emotional processing deficits in Italian children with Disruptive Behavior Disorder: The role of callous unemotional traits

Research suggests that callous unemotional (CU) traits are associated with poor emotion recognition due to impairments in attention to relevant emotional cues. To further investigate the mechanisms that underlie CU traits, this study focused on the relationship between levels of CU and children's attention to, and recognition of, facial emotions. Participants were 7- to 10-year-old Italian boys, 35 with a diagnosis of Disruptive Behavior Disorder (age: M = 8.93, SD = 1.35), and 23 healthy male controls (age: M = 8.86, SD = 1.35). Children viewed standardized emotional faces (happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and neutral) while eye-tracking technology was used to evaluate scan paths for each area of interest (eyes, face, mouth), and for each emotion. CU traits were assessed using parent and teacher ratings on the Antisocial Process Screening Device. In the whole sample, elevated levels of CU traits were associated with a lower ability to recognize sadness, a lower number of fixations, and a lower average length of each fixation, specifically to the eye area of sad faces. In children with Disruptive Behavior Disorder diagnoses, high levels of CU traits were associated with lower duration of fixations to the eye-region on the eye area of sad faces, which in turns predicted lower levels of sadness recognition. The findings confirm that poor emotion recognition is associated with impairments in attention to critical information about other people's emotions. The clinical implications are discussed.

The Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits: Reliability, Convergent Validity, and Predictive Validity for Reoffending in Adolescents on Probation

This prospective study assessed the reliability and validity of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) in a sample of 70 adolescent offenders. With the exception of the Unemotional subscale, ICU scores showed acceptable reliability. ICU total and Callousness scores demonstrated moderate associations with the Antisocial Process Screening Device and the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version. The ICU also demonstrated moderate predictive accuracy for violent reoffending over an 18-month follow-up period. While these findings provide some support for the ICU’s validity, more research is needed to determine if it is appropriate for use in applied settings with adolescent offenders.