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PloS One 2024Juvenile antisocial behavior can have long-lasting and devastating effects for juveniles themselves, victims, and society. Evidence-based treatment is vital. Forensic...
BACKGROUND
Juvenile antisocial behavior can have long-lasting and devastating effects for juveniles themselves, victims, and society. Evidence-based treatment is vital. Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy (Forensische Ambulante Systeem Therapie; FAST) is a promising treatment for juveniles showing severe antisocial behavior including aggression, (domestic) violence, and delinquent behavior. FAST has a flexible intensity and length, addresses individual and systemic risk and protective factors, and is responsive to the abilities of the client (system), intervention characteristics all considered crucial for effective treatment. The current study will investigate whether FAST is effective in reducing aggression of the juvenile, reaching client formulated subgoals, and improving family functioning. Processes of change will be examined, as well as mediation by reaching client formulated subgoals and improved family functioning.
METHODS
A Multiple Case Experimental Design (MCED) with an ABC design will be performed (A = baseline, B = intervention, and C = follow-up). Juveniles with primary aggression and/or anger problems (N = 15) and their caregiver(s) will be recruited. Data collection will consist of self-report questionnaires and case file analysis. Participants fill out frequent short self-report questionnaires (twice a week during phase A, every other week during phase B, and every week during phase C) and two main questionnaires at the start of the intervention and immediately after intervention end, thereby covering a period of 5 to 11 months. Both visual and statistical analyses will be performed.
DISCUSSION
This study will generate robust knowledge and inform clinical practice on the effectiveness, processes of change, and mediating mechanisms of FAST, aiming to improve the treatment of future families within youth forensic care.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 28/08/2023, protocol ID 60-63600-98-1138a.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Aggression; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Outpatients; Research Design; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38635676
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298057 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Social decisions are influenced by a person's social preferences. High psychopathy is defined by antisocial behaviour, but the relationship between psychopathy and...
Social decisions are influenced by a person's social preferences. High psychopathy is defined by antisocial behaviour, but the relationship between psychopathy and social preferences remains unclear. In this study, we used a battery of economic games to study social decision-making and social preferences in relation to psychopathy in a sample of 35 male prison inmates, who were arrested for sexual and severe violent offenses (mean age = 39 years). We found no evidence for a relationship between social preferences (measured with the Dictator and Ultimatum Games, Social Value Orientation, and one-shot 2 × 2 games) and psychopathy (measured by the overall Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised score and both factors). These results are surprising but also difficult to interpret due to the small sample size. Our results contribute to the ongoing debate about psychopathy and social decision-making by providing crucial data that can be combined with future datasets to reach large sample sizes that can provide a more nuanced understanding about the relationship between psychopathy and social preferences.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Pilot Projects; Prisoners; Aggression; Social Behavior Disorders
PubMed: 38594328
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59066-8 -
Psychiatria Polska Dec 2023Numerous studies show that a high level of psychopathic traits in youth is related to the propensity to use various types and forms of aggression. The presented study...
OBJECTIVES
Numerous studies show that a high level of psychopathic traits in youth is related to the propensity to use various types and forms of aggression. The presented study focuses on the relations between psychopathy and aggression, both indirect (relational) and direct in this age group. The triarchic model of psychopathy was used, according to which psychopathy is described as a configuration of boldness, meanness and disinhibition. It was assumed that boldness would be a predictor for indirect aggression and disinhibition - for the direct forms of aggressive behaviors.
METHODS
The sample consisted of 200 older adolescents (108 boys and 92 girls), aged 16-19. Two groups were distinguished for comparison: juveniles from youth fostering centers and youth not violating legal norms. For the measurement of the variables the following self-reports were used: Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, Indirect Aggression Scale (Aggressor Version) and Aggression Questionnaire.
RESULTS
From among the dimensions of psychopathy, the strongest predictor for both forms of aggression (indirect and direct) was disinhibition. The study also revealed the differences in the intensity of psychopathic traits and aggressive behaviors with reference to gender and institutionalization. However, the hypothesis on the relationship between boldness and indirect aggression was not confirmed.
CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that disinhibition and meanness can be considered as significant personality risk factors for aggressive behaviors and violence not only in adults but also in adolescents. The study supported also the heterogeneity of the triarchic model of psychopathy itself.
Topics: Adult; Male; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Aggression; Models, Psychological; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Report
PubMed: 38564520
DOI: 10.12740/PP/158898 -
PloS One 2024There has been an increase in female incarcerated offenders nationally and internationally. Despite this trend, literature and research on female offenders remain...
There has been an increase in female incarcerated offenders nationally and internationally. Despite this trend, literature and research on female offenders remain limited compared to their male counterparts. Evidence of the relationship between certain personality disorders and offending behaviour has led numerous countries to prioritise identifying and assessing personality disorders among the offender population. Psychopathic personality traits may contribute to women's risk factors for expressing antisocial behaviours, resulting in their potential future incarceration. Thus, a need exists to understand possible factors that may predict the expression of psychopathic traits in females, which may have notable utility among female offenders. This study aimed to investigate possible predictor variables of psychopathy amongst incarcerated female offenders in South Africa. A quantitative research approach, non-experimental research type, and correlational research design were employed. A convenience sampling technique was used. The sample consisted of 139 (N = 139) female offenders housed in two correctional centres in South Africa who voluntarily participated in this study. Correlation analyses and hierarchical regression analysis procedures were conducted to analyse the results. Results indicated (i) a certain combination of predictor variables that statistically and practically significantly explained both primary and secondary psychopathy and (ii) individual predictor variables (e.g., Impulsivity, Simple Tasks, Risk-Seeking, and Self-Centredness) that explained both primary and secondary psychopathy statistically and practically significantly. This study provides valuable information about the possible predictor variables of psychopathy amongst female offenders within the context of South Africa. However, further research must be conducted to validate these findings and advance our knowledge on this topic.
Topics: Female; Humans; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Criminals; Morals; Prisoners; Self-Control; South Africa
PubMed: 38547082
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299847 -
Evolutionary Psychology : An... 2024While a wealth of research has focused on testing several arguments from Moffitt's developmental taxonomy of antisocial behavior-mainly the presence of...
While a wealth of research has focused on testing several arguments from Moffitt's developmental taxonomy of antisocial behavior-mainly the presence of life-course-persistent vs. adolescence-limited offending and predictors of each trajectory-much less attention has been devoted to examining how evolutionarily adaptive lifestyle factors common during adolescence may condition the relationship between the maturity gap and delinquent offending. One factor that may play a role during this period of development is alcohol use, as many adolescents begin to experiment with consuming alcohol in varying degrees in social settings to model adult-like behaviors. Yet presently much is unknown about the role of alcohol use on the association between the maturity gap and delinquency. The current study aims to address this void in the literature by analyzing data from a U.S. sample of adolescent males ( = 1,276) to assess whether alcohol use moderates the relationship between the maturity gap and delinquent behavior. Findings suggest that the maturity gap is associated with delinquent behavior and that the association becomes weaker at higher levels of alcohol use. The implications of these findings for Moffitt's maturity gap thesis and male offending from an evolutionary perspective are discussed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Adolescent; Alcohol Drinking; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Biological Evolution; Juvenile Delinquency; Adolescent Behavior
PubMed: 38528754
DOI: 10.1177/14747049241241432 -
Comprehensive Psychiatry May 2024There are few psychiatric epidemiology studies among Kenyan youth and fewer among those at high psychosis risk (HR).
INTRODUCTION
There are few psychiatric epidemiology studies among Kenyan youth and fewer among those at high psychosis risk (HR).
METHODS
This study assessed the epidemiology of DSM-5 psychiatric disorders in HR and low-risk (LR) individuals to inform research and mental health services. 567 participants (aged 15-25) in HR (n = 246) and LR (n = 260) groups based on Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis (WERCAP) Screen scores. Diagnostic Interview Schedule, version 5 (DIS-5) assessed DSM-5 psychiatric disorder prevalence. Diagnostic comorbidity and demographic relationships were investigated.
RESULTS
A higher prevalence was observed for all DSM-5 disorders in the HR group, significantly for gambling disorder (13% vs. 5.8%), major depressive disorder (9.8% vs. 3.8%), antisocial personality disorder (5.7% vs. 2.3%), general anxiety disorder (4.9% vs. 0.4%), oppositional defiant disorder (3.3% vs. 0.4%), panic disorder (2.8% vs. 0.8%), and anorexia nervosa (2.8% vs. 0%). Gambling disorder was the most prevalent and showed significant gender effects (males>females).
DISCUSSION
Psychiatric disorders occur at increased rates among HR compared to LR. Prevalence rates found are lower than in US studies, except for gambling disorder which was highly prevalent. Large-population-based epidemiology studies in Africa are needed to estimate rates, particularly of disorders such as schizophrenia, accurately.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Kenya; Depressive Disorder, Major; Mental Disorders; Psychotic Disorders; Anorexia Nervosa; Comorbidity; Prevalence; Substance-Related Disorders; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 38503003
DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152473 -
Acta Psychologica May 2024This study explored demographic, ideological, self-rating and personality traits correlates of the Dark Tetrad (DT4) which measures Narcissism (Special),...
This study explored demographic, ideological, self-rating and personality traits correlates of the Dark Tetrad (DT4) which measures Narcissism (Special), Machiavellianism (Crafty), Psychopathy (Wild), and Sadism (Mean) traits. In total, 447 adults completed three tests: a bright-side, work-related, personality test (HPTI: High Performance Type Indicator), a dark-side test (Short Dark Tetrad) and a number of self-ratings. Correlations and regressions showed that all four dark traits were associated with low Adjustment (Neuroticism), but also with high Risk-Taking and Competitiveness (low Agreeableness). The various measures accounted for a third of the variance in explaining the Mean (Sadistic) score, and 40 % for Special (Narcissism). Trait Competitiveness was most closely associated with all four dark traits.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Machiavellianism; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Sadism; Cognition; Neuroticism; Personality
PubMed: 38502994
DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104222 -
BMC Psychiatry Mar 2024Visual impairment (VI) with comorbid mental disorders (MDs) are expected to have a major impact on people's daily functioning, for which tailored support is needed....
BACKGROUND
Visual impairment (VI) with comorbid mental disorders (MDs) are expected to have a major impact on people's daily functioning, for which tailored support is needed. However, this has been barely investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) determine the impact of VI and comorbid MDs on functioning in essential life domains, (2) gain insight into best-practices that are currently used to support this target group, and (3) determine strategies to optimize care in the future.
METHODS
A four-step qualitative Delphi method was used to obtain input from 31 Dutch professionals who work with this target group (84% female, mean age 46 years, on average 11 years of experience in working with the target group). The Self-Sufficiency Matrices were used to determine the impact on various aspects of daily living, for people with VI and (1) autism spectrum disorder, (2) psychotic disorders, (3) obsessive-compulsive disorder, (4) antisocial personality disorder, (5) borderline personality disorder, (6) dependent personality disorder.
RESULTS
Experts describe a frail and vulnerable population, in which the VI and MD often have a cumulative negative impact on people's physical and mental health. People frequently experience anxiety, depression, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Also, many tend to neglect self-care and substance abuse is common. They often experience difficulty in trusting others while at the same time being dependent on them. Social interaction and relationships are complicated because of communication restrictions (e.g. no facial recognition) and social incompetence or withdrawal. Experts advise taking transdiagnostic factors into account, using evidence-based psychological treatment options based on an intermittent approach, and offering multidisciplinary care. They stress the importance of building trust, showing patience and empathy, stimulating empowerment, involving the informal network and building on positive experiences.
CONCLUSION
VI and comorbid MD have a major impact on people's daily functioning on a mental, physical, social and environmental level. This study provides insight into best-practices to support this target group. According to experts, more research is needed which could be aimed at investigating tailored diagnostic approaches and treatment options and include clients' perspectives.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Psychotic Disorders; Mental Health; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Vision Disorders; Comorbidity; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 38500080
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05635-0 -
BMC Public Health Mar 2024In the present study, we investigated the relationship between personality and motivation for physical activity while introducing perceived parental support and social...
In the present study, we investigated the relationship between personality and motivation for physical activity while introducing perceived parental support and social physical anxiety in adolescent girls (N = 318, M: 16.19 ± 0.51 years). The present study was a retrospective correlational study that was conducted to analyze of a path model. Dark triad traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, student's motivation for physical activity, social physique anxiety, and participants' perceptions of parents' behaviors were measured. The findings indicated that psychopathy and Machiavellianism were directly and indirectly associated with motivation for physical activity, but Narcissism could only directly predict the motivation for physical activity. Also, need-thwarting (the most), need-supportive and social physical anxiety could predict motivation for physical activity. This model of the result suggests that among adolescent girls, dark triad personality could, directly and indirectly, predict motivation with need-supportive and need-thwarting and also social physical anxiety. It seems that the sense of importance and more attention to oneself in adolescent girls, which exists in the narcissistic personality, can directly lead to more motivation for physical activity. Also, the duplicitous ways of Machiavellian people in pursuing their motives were confirmed in this research.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adolescent; Motivation; Retrospective Studies; Personality; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Machiavellianism; Exercise; Parents; Anxiety
PubMed: 38481212
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18060-5 -
Clinical Psychology Review Apr 2024Callous-unemotional (CU) traits have been measured in a variety of sample-types (e.g., community or forensic) and from the perspective of different informants (e.g.,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits have been measured in a variety of sample-types (e.g., community or forensic) and from the perspective of different informants (e.g., self-report or parent-report) using the inventory of callous-unemotional traits total score (ICU-T). Although the positive association between CU traits and antisocial behavior is uncontroversial, the degree to which sample-types are different from each other has received little attention despite such knowledge being important for generalization and interpretation of research findings. To address this gap in the literature, we estimated the implied distribution of the ICU-T across sample-types, informants, and their interaction using meta-analytic models of sample means and variances. In unconditional models, we found that sample-type significantly moderated mean ICU-T scores but not variance, while informant significantly moderated the variance of ICU-T scores but not means. There was also a significant interaction between sample-type and informant. Mean parent-reported ICU-T scores were significantly lower than self-reported scores in community samples, but not significantly different in samples with elevated levels of antisocial behavior. Implications of our findings include improved research efficiency, the need for different ICU-T norms across informants, and greater understanding of informant biases.
Topics: Humans; Conduct Disorder; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Self Report; Personality Inventory; Attention; Emotions
PubMed: 38479319
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102407