Predictors and Correlates of Psychopathic Characteristics in Substance Abusing Adolescents

Abstract

This study retrospectively examined the predictors and correlates of 64 adolescents with psychopathic characteristics, as measured by scores on the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), referred for treatment to a substance abuse program for adjudicated adolescents. First, we examined the variables of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, severity of childhood abuse/neglect, and severity of parental drug dependence in predicting psychopathic characteristics. Second, we investigated the association of psychopathic characteristics with substance use, drug trafficking, depression, and anxiety. Severity of childhood abuse and neglect significantly predicted psychopathic characteristics. Psychopathic characteristics were not associated with the correlates of substance use, depression, or anxiety. Implications for treatment and future research with adolescents displaying psychopathic characteristics are discussed.