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Dissertation
Adolescents with psychopathic characteristics in a substance abusing cohort: predictors, correlates, and treatment process and outcome
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University
May 2001
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00007692
Abstract
The construct of psychopathy has important consequences for those who experience it, and for the larger society in which these individuals with psychopathy live. While the assessment of psychopathy in adolescence remains somewhat controversial, mounting evidence suggests that the affective and behavioral traits of adult psychopathy begin to emerge in childhood (Lahey & Kazdin, 1990) and remain stable across the lifespan (Forth, Hart, & Hare, 1990). This study retrospectively examined the predictors, correlates, and treatment outcomes of 64 adolescents with psychopathic characteristics, as measured by scores on the Psychopathy Checklist:Youth Version (PCL:YV; Forth, Kosson, & Hare, in press), referred for treatment to a substance abuse program for adjudicated adolescents. First, this study examined the variables of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, severity of childhood abuse/neglect, and severity of parental drug dependence in predicting psychopathic characteristics. Second, this study examined the association of psychopathic characteristics with substance use, drug trafficking, depression, and anxiety. Third, this study examined the relationship between psychopathic characteristics and treatment process and outcomes, including attrition rates, quality of participation, substance use throughout treatment, clinical improvement, and 12-month recidivism rates. Severity of childhood abuse and neglect significantly predicted psychopathic characteristics. Psychopathic characteristics were not associated with the correlates of substance use, depression, or anxiety. Psychopathic characteristics were negatively related to all treatment process and outcome variables. Implications for treatment and future research with adolescents displaying psychopathic characteristics are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Adolescents with psychopathic characteristics in a substance abusing cohort
- Creators
- Melanie L. O'Neill
- Contributors
- Kirk Heilbrun (Advisor) - Drexel University, Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University (1993-1996, 1998-2002)
- Awarding Institution
- Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 115 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Clinical and Health Psychology [Historical]; Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University (1993-1996, 1998-2002); College of Nursing and Health Professions (2000-2002)
- Other Identifier
- 991021888786104721