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Callous and Unemotional Traits as Precursors to the Development of Female Psychopathy

Author

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  • Ana Raquel Cardoso

    (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa (UFP), Praça 9 de Abril, 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    These authors have contributed equally to the work.)

  • Maria João Costa

    (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa (UFP), Praça 9 de Abril, 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    These authors have contributed equally to the work.)

  • Ana Isabel Sani

    (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa (UFP), Praça 9 de Abril, 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    Observatory Permanent Violence and Crime (OPVC), FP-I3ID, Fernando Pessoa University, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    Research Center on Child Studies (CIEC), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal)

  • Diana Moreira

    (Observatory Permanent Violence and Crime (OPVC), FP-I3ID, Fernando Pessoa University, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
    Projecto Homem, Centro de Solidariedade de Braga, Rua do Alcaide 29/31 Cividade, 4700-024 Braga, Portugal
    IPNP Health, Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto, 4000-053 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

Objective: Conduct a systematic review concerning the literature that reflects whether the callous and unemotional traits present in childhood and/or adolescence are precursors in the development of female psychopathy in adulthood. Materials and Methods: A systematic review involved consulting three databases—EBSCO, the Web of Science, and PubMed—for peer-reviewed and quantitative studies within the period 2000–2023. Nine articles with quality of three and above were included. Results: The presence of callous and unemotional traits designates a group of youth that show characteristics associated with psychopathy, specifically when predicting a more severe and chronic pattern of antisocial behaviour. Children with high rates of callous and unemotional traits, who show symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in combination with severe conduct problems, are most likely to show features associated with psychopathy. The multidimensional psychopathy construct is considered a better predictor of future and stable antisocial behaviour than the callous and unemotional traits alone model. Conclusions: According to the studies selected, the callous and unemotional traits in childhood seem to be precursors of female psychopathy in adulthood, but only because of the way they seem to enhance conduct problems, disruptive behaviour disorders, and, as a possible outcome, delinquency and antisocial traits, which may be precursors of future psychopathy.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Raquel Cardoso & Maria João Costa & Ana Isabel Sani & Diana Moreira, 2023. "Callous and Unemotional Traits as Precursors to the Development of Female Psychopathy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(18), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:18:p:6786-:d:1243719
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Salekin, Randall T. & Andershed, Henrik, 2022. "Psychopathic personality, and its dimensions in the prediction of negative outcomes: Do they offer incremental value above and beyond common risk factors? Introduction to the special section," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    2. López-Romero, Laura & Colins, Olivier F. & Fanti, Kostas & Salekin, Randall T. & Romero, Estrella & Andershed, Henrik, 2022. "Testing the predictive and incremental validity of callous-unemotional traits versus the multidimensional psychopathy construct in preschool children," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    3. DeLisi, Matt & Vaughn, Michael G., 2015. "Ingredients for Criminality Require Genes, Temperament, and Psychopathic Personality," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 43(4), pages 290-294.
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