Predictors of adolescent psychopathy: the role of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sensation seeking

Clinical applications to psychopathy encompass downward extensions to adolescent populations. In alliance with clinical practice, several prominent researchers have formulated prediction models for adolescent psychopathy that include various forms of behavioral dysregulation, including impulsivity, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sensation seeking. As a cross-sectional study, the current investigation systematically examined behavioral dysregulation in 79 male adolescents who, as a result of adjudication, were placed them in a maximum-security facility. Impulsivity appeared to be the best predictor of both psychopathy and conduct problems. In addition, conduct-disordered symptoms were predicted mostly by impulsivity, with minor contributions from sensation seeking and ADHD symptoms.