UMMS Affiliation
Department of Psychiatry
Publication Date
3-2006
Document Type
Article
Subjects
Antisocial Personality Disorder; Violence; Adolescent; Juvenile Delinquency; Risk Assessment
Disciplines
Health Services Research | Mental and Social Health | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry | Psychiatry and Psychology
Abstract
Psychopathy is an important construct in adult risk assessment resulting from strong associations to antisocial behavior and criminal recidivism. A recent trend is the downward extension of psychopathic traits to explain juvenile violence. Applying the concept of psychopathy to youthful offenders has great potential; however, its application to adolescence is fraught with uncertainty. This article discusses how the search for causes of violence along with the changing juvenile justice system have encouraged psychopathy to be used for informing policies related to the assessment and treatment of juvenile offenders. Based on established research and clinical practice, we make the case that if applied judiciously, psychopathy can be a critical component in identifying youth most at-risk for short-term violence.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: International Journal of Forensic Mental Health 2006, Vol. 5, No. 1, pages 29-38. Link to article on publisher's website
Journal/Book/Conference Title
International Journal of Forensic Mental Health
Repository Citation
Vitacco, Michael J. and Vincent, Gina M., "Understanding the Downward Extension of Psychopathy to Youth: Implications for Risk Assessment and Juvenile Justice" (2006). Systems and Psychosocial Advances Research Center Publications and Presentations. 365.
https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/psych_cmhsr/365
Included in
Health Services Research Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychiatry Commons, Psychiatry and Psychology Commons
