Dimensions of psychopathy and their relationships to cognitive functioning in children

J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2008 Jul;37(3):690-6. doi: 10.1080/15374410802148111.

Abstract

Individuals with psychopathic traits are hypothesized to be free of intellectual deficits and possibly even to exhibit good cognitive abilities. Previous studies, based on clinical and incarcerated youth, have shown inconsistent findings. We investigated the relationships between different dimensions of psychopathy (callous/unemotional traits, narcissism, impulsivity) and cognitive abilities in a large population-based sample of children (age 9, N = 4,713). Findings indicated a positive relationship between narcissism and both verbal and nonverbal abilities, even after accounting for conduct problems and hyperactivity. Callous/unemotional traits and impulsivity were negatively related to both types of cognitive abilities but did not remain significant after accounting for conduct problems and hyperactivity. Interactions between gender and the dimensions of psychopathy were not significant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Twin Study

MeSH terms

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Comorbidity
  • Conduct Disorder / diagnosis
  • Conduct Disorder / psychology
  • Diseases in Twins / diagnosis*
  • Diseases in Twins / psychology
  • Emotions
  • England
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / diagnosis
  • Impulsive Behavior / psychology
  • Intelligence
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychometrics
  • Sex Factors
  • Wales
  • Wechsler Scales / statistics & numerical data