Self-Reported Psychopathic-Like Traits as Predictors of Recidivism in Detained Male Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 240911
• Journal: Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 39 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2012 Pages: 1421-1435
• Author(s): Olivier F. Colins; Robert Vermeiren; Marleen De Bolle; Eric Broekaert
• Date Published: November 2012
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated the predictive validity of self-report of psychopathic-like traits for recidivism in detained youth.

Abstract

Few studies have examined whether psychopathic-like traits predict recidivism in detained youth. The current study investigated the predictive validity of self-report of psychopathic-like traits for official recidivism. Participants were 223 detained male adolescents from all 3 Flemish youth detention centers, who were assessed with the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI). Two to 4 years later, official information on recidivism was collected. Recidivism was defined in four ways. Neither the affective dimension nor the broader construct of psychopathy (i.e., total YPI score) was predictive of recidivism above and beyond criminal history. The behavioral and interpersonal dimensions, however, significantly added to the prediction of substance-related recidivism. Overall, psychopathic-like traits in detained adolescents assessed by means of the YPI did not convincingly predict recidivism. Implications of the findings are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.