Decisions made at child protection sittings significantly impact the lives of children and their families. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the factors influencing these decisions. Previous...Show moreDecisions made at child protection sittings significantly impact the lives of children and their families. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the factors influencing these decisions. Previous research indicates that these decisions are not always made correctly and exhibit substantial variability. This study utilizes the Decision Making Ecology Model to analyse the influence of risk assessment tools and work experience on these decisions. Data were collected through a questionnaire and a case file study. The analyses show that the use of risk assessment tools has a significant impact on the decisions made. Work experience did not have a significant direct influence, but the use of risk assessment tools indirectly affected work experience, which in turn had a small effect on the final decisions.Show less
The main purpose of the current study is to improve interventions for boys with conduct disorder, in order to decrease criminal offenses in this group. Another goal was to gain more knowledge on...Show moreThe main purpose of the current study is to improve interventions for boys with conduct disorder, in order to decrease criminal offenses in this group. Another goal was to gain more knowledge on empathy in this group. There is thought to be a connection between welldeveloped empathy in youth and a decrease of criminal offenses. In this study, boys with conduct disorder (N = 25) and autism spectrum disorder (N = 23) are compared in their empathy, using 2-way ANOVA’s. Boys with conduct disorder score higher on cognitive empathy. There are no differences in affective empathy. Differences in empathy do not increase or decrease as boys grow older. Findings provide arguments to base interventions for boys with conduct disorder on empathy development, similar to what is already done for boys with autism spectrum disorders. However, a careful interpretation of the findings is needed due to limitations in current research.Show less
The prevalence of psychotrauma among victims of childhood maltreatment is clearly elevated, yet the majority does not develop clinical PTSD symptoms. Current explanatory models imply and use the...Show moreThe prevalence of psychotrauma among victims of childhood maltreatment is clearly elevated, yet the majority does not develop clinical PTSD symptoms. Current explanatory models imply and use the subjective perception of the victim’s experience. Despite the role of the personality trait neuroticism in the predisposition to perceive experiences negatively, little is known about its place in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and psychotrauma. This study aims to examine the relationship between child abuse and PTSD symptoms’ severity and the potential moderating effect of neuroticism. This correlational study (N = 229) compares groups of children (8-18 years) with and without trauma symptoms in the extent to which they have experienced child abuse, using a between-subjects analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Additionally, multiple regression analyses were conducted to further explore the relationship between child abuse and the severity of trauma symptoms, and to determine if this relationship is moderated by neuroticism. The results showed that children with (sub)clinical trauma symptoms experienced significantly more violence than children without trauma symptoms (p = .03; partial eta squared = .02). Child abuse was a significant positive predictor of the trauma score (β = .18; t = 2.67; p < .01). This was not moderated by neuroticism (p = .81), but regardless of child abuse, neuroticism had the greatest relative influence on the severity of PTSD symptoms (β = .49; t = 7.46; p <.01), partial r(198) = .47, p <.01. The final models explained 2.5% (child abuse) and 24% (child abuse and neuroticism) of the variance in trauma symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of further research into personality as a potential related factor in the relationship between child abuse and trauma, and provide indications for identifying neuroticism as a risk factor.Show less
Youths with conduct disorder and callous-unemotional traits are known to show reactive as well as proactive aggressive behavior. Both forms of aggression are correlated with internalising problems ...Show moreYouths with conduct disorder and callous-unemotional traits are known to show reactive as well as proactive aggressive behavior. Both forms of aggression are correlated with internalising problems (such as anxiety and depression symptoms), although there has been found more scientific evidence for reactive aggression. However, internalising problems are less visible to the outside eye in comparison to externalising problems such as aggression, and therefore more overlooked in this sample. Consequently, the current study examined the relation between both forms of aggression and internalising problems in a sample of 28 male adolescents with conduct disorder and callous-unemotional traits (ages 15 to 19). These youths self-reported on their aggression and internalising problems through the YSR and RPQ and the callous-unemotional traits were established through the ICU. Inconsistent with previous research, all forms of aggression were not significantly correlated with internalising problems. This suggests that both constructs should be treated separately in interventions. This research offers a different view to the current knowledge of aggression and internalising problems in youth with conduct disorder and callous-unemotional traits. Further research with a larger sample and perhaps different research design is necessary to provide more insight and to draw better conclusions.Show less
In the last decade, digital media has become more sexually explicit than ever. Among others, young people are increasingly exposed to this type of media. They can be deliberately exposed, like...Show moreIn the last decade, digital media has become more sexually explicit than ever. Among others, young people are increasingly exposed to this type of media. They can be deliberately exposed, like searching for information about sex and watching pornography. We call this active exposure. There are also young people who accidently get exposed to sexually explicit media content. This is called passive exposure and can consist of, for example, pop-up advertisements or unsolicited sexually explicit messages. Several studies have been conducted on exposure to sexually explicit media, but the prevalence varies widely. The aim of this study is to get a clear image of in which extent young people are exposed to sexually explicit media. Therefore, the following research question was formulated: To what extent are young people actively and passively exposed to sexually explicit media, and are there differences based on gender and sexual orientation? To answer the research question, an online questionnaire was developed and distributed among Dutch respondents between the age of 16 and 26 years old. The results show that boys have a higher chance of being actively and passively exposed to sexually explicit media. Sexual orientation does not appear to influence either active or passive exposure. In addition, no interaction was found between gender and sexual orientation. Based on these preliminary results, it is recommended to make young people more aware of the risks of experimenting with online sexual behaviors, through education and counseling by experts. Future research should recruit a more diverse sample with a larger group of men, people from the LGBTQ+ community, medium and low educated people, and people who live outside the city. Further research could also focus on which forms of sexually explicit media young people encounter most and what effects these may have.Show less
Background: Emotion recognition is essential for social functioning and communication. Research has shown that when adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) also show high callous-unemotional traits ...Show moreBackground: Emotion recognition is essential for social functioning and communication. Research has shown that when adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) also show high callous-unemotional traits (CU+), they are slower in recognizing negative emotions. Moreover, adolescents with CD/CU+ are limited in affective empathy and they are less fearful of punishment. On the other hand, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with a lesser ability to recognize emotions of others in an accurate manner. Besides that, in contrast to CD/CU+, they are impaired in the cognitive aspects of empathy. Aim: This study aims to gain knowledge regarding emotion recognition of adolescents, diagnosed with either ASD or CD/CU+. Specifically, this study focuses on the speed and accuracy negative emotions are recognized with. Additionally, the relationship between diagnostics and emotional processing is researched, and whether cognitive or affective empathy moderate this relationship. The latter aspect has not been studied yet in current literature. Method: The sample consisted of 48 boys between 15 and 19 years (M = 17.2), either boys with ASD (N = 23) or boys with CD/CU+ (N = 25). Using a socio-emotional computer task, fearful and angry faces were presented, and participants were requested to recognize the emotional state. Results: In contrast to earlier findings, results showed that emotion recognition accuracy did not differ between boys with CD/CU+ and boys with ASD. However, there was a difference found in reaction time: boys with CD/CU+ showed a faster reaction time to angry faces than boys with ASD. Finally, empathy did not moderate the relationship between diagnostics and emotion recognition. Conclusion: It can be concluded that boys with CD/CU+ and ASD recognize angry emotions differently. Although further research is recommended, this study emphasizes the importance of adjusting interventions to specific abilities and impairments of the individual, which can increase the efficacy.Show less
The current study focused on the influence of social cognition on cognitive and affective empathy and whether the LPE-label and socioeconomic status fulfilled moderating roles in the relationships...Show moreThe current study focused on the influence of social cognition on cognitive and affective empathy and whether the LPE-label and socioeconomic status fulfilled moderating roles in the relationships between these socioemotional aspects for adolescent boys with conduct disorder (CD). The aim of the study was to focus on these relations within the CD-group itself, since most research compared CD-youth with healthy controls, thereby omitting the heterogeneity of CD. Moreover, the relationship between social cognition and empathy, both socioemotional aspects, within the CD-group itself had not been examined yet. The different socioemotional aspects were measured using questionnaires, such as the Basic Empathy Scale and the Social Responsiveness Scale. These were completed by 49 adolescent boys, aged from fifteen to nineteen years, with a severe form of CD. Two double moderation regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between social cognition and the dependent factors cognitive and affective empathy. For cognitive empathy there were no significant relationships found. For affective empathy significant relationships were present. First of all, there was a negative effect of social cognition on affective empathy, higher levels of social cognition were linked to lower levels affective empathy. This could be explained by the fact that CD-youth with higher social cognition capacities know how to take advantage of others, therefore being more manipulative without having to empathize with them. Secondly, as expected, there was a positive effect of LPE: the CD/LPE+ group scored significantly lower on affective empathy than the CD/LPE- group. Additionally, there were no significant moderations of LPE-label and socioeconomic status found for both cognitive and affective empathy. To conclude, having better social cognition skills as well as CD/LPE+ were related to lower levels of affective empathy, not cognitive empathy, in adolescent boys with severe CD.Show less
Conduct disorder (CD) is a psychiatric disorder which is associated with repetitive outbursts in which there is no control over aggressive impulses. Despite the high prevalence and the high social-...Show moreConduct disorder (CD) is a psychiatric disorder which is associated with repetitive outbursts in which there is no control over aggressive impulses. Despite the high prevalence and the high social- and economic load, there is little research done into CD and its possible predictors. The current research attempted to understand the antisociality of boys with CD by means of socioeconomic status (SES). The level of aggression and the level of psychopathic traits have been investigated. The participants were 52 boys with CD, with an average age of 16.94 years. The participants filled out questionnaires, of which the level of aggression and the level of psychopathic traits was determined. The socioeconomic status was determined based on the postal code of the participants. The research showed no relationship between the SES and the level of aggression and psychopathic traits.Show less
Throughout time it has been shown that victim blaming can have multiple negative outcomes. However, in the past, studies about victim blaming have mostly focussed on victim blaming in sexually...Show moreThroughout time it has been shown that victim blaming can have multiple negative outcomes. However, in the past, studies about victim blaming have mostly focussed on victim blaming in sexually unwanted physical behaviour.This study has looked at online sexually unwanted behaviour, to give insight into the entire scope of victim blaming and not just the physical side. This was done by having participants fill out a questionnaire about, amongst other things, demographic information, victim blaming and personal experience. Regarding victim blaming, participants were given three scenarios in which a nude photo is sent and spread and had to indicate how much they agreed on blaming a certain party for spreading the nude photo and also for the sender’s unhappiness. It was researched which party is held mostly accountable in general and which party is held mostly accountable when different scenarios are presented. Besides, it was explored whether the latter differs between men and women and between participants with experience with online sexually unwanted behaviour and participants without such experience.Show less
An increasing part of sexual development is taking place online in the form of consensual sexting. However, what individuals are mostly unaware of is that it can be associated with several negative...Show moreAn increasing part of sexual development is taking place online in the form of consensual sexting. However, what individuals are mostly unaware of is that it can be associated with several negative outcomes. Therefore, this study focuses both on age, gender, sexual preference and degree of self- esteem and how much these are predictive of sexting among individuals between the ages of 16 and 30. Examining this will contribute to appropriate preventive and educational efforts for individuals with a higher likelihood of sexting. The data was collected using a questionnaire which participants filled in online on their own mobile device. A multiple regression analysis was performed to find out which of these forecasters was most predictive. The results show that both degree of self-esteem and sexual orientation are not related to sexting. For age, it can be stated with caution that it does. Gender can be assigned the most decisive role, since it is the only forecaster with a strong significant relationship with this outcome. Hereby, men have a higher rate of sexting than women. This study was however limited by its cross-sectional nature, disproportionate distribution of participants and subjective interpretation of the relevant questions. Recommendations for future research therefore include collecting participants on a larger scale and conducting a longitudinal study with a qualitative nature to explore individuals’ experiences and motivations on a deeper level.Show less
Research has shown that empathy and aggression are important components of Conduct Disorder (CD). The correlations between psychopathic traits and empathy and aggression have also been extensively...Show moreResearch has shown that empathy and aggression are important components of Conduct Disorder (CD). The correlations between psychopathic traits and empathy and aggression have also been extensively investigated, but existing literature shows that more insight is needed into the distinction between cognitive and affective empathy and proactive and reactive aggression and the specific role of psychopathic traits. In the present study of 78 Dutch boys aged 15 to 19 years, the specific influence of CD with psychopathic traits on cognitive and affective empathy and proactive and reactive aggression was investigated. The sample was subdivided into boys with CD and psychopathic traits (CD/Psy+) (n= 27) and boys with CD without psychopathic traits (CD/Psy-) (n = 25). These boys all came from forensic institutions. In addition, a control group was also included (CON) (n = 26) and all of the participants completed self-reports. Results showed that CD/Psy+ youngsters scored significantly lower on affective empathy compared to CON youngsters and significantly higher on proactive and reactive aggression compared to CD/Psy- and CON youngsters. However, no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of cognitive empathy. These findings are important for understanding the development of conduct disorder and psychopathic traits and suggest that affective empathy and proactive and reactive aggression should be considered especially in the diagnosis and treatment of boys with delinquent behavior.Show less
Much research has been carried out on psychopathy. Psychopathy is a personality trait characterized by impulsive, insensible, and irresponsible behavior. Psychopathy is related to criminal behavior...Show moreMuch research has been carried out on psychopathy. Psychopathy is a personality trait characterized by impulsive, insensible, and irresponsible behavior. Psychopathy is related to criminal behavior and recidivism of criminality. Psychopathy resembles but is not equal to Conduct Disorder. Conduct Disorder is a psychiatric disorder of childhood/adolescence characterized by continuous antisocial behaviors (i.e., stealing/aggression/vandalism). Another often researched construct is intelligence. Intelligence is the ability to learn new things and to use your knowledge in different situations. Intelligence is a possible protective factor in preventing criminality. In the current study, we investigated if intelligence is related to psychopathy and if this relation differs between people with versus people without a Conduct Disorder. Participants filled in the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia and the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory and completed an intelligence test. Results showed no significant effect of intelligence on psychopathy or Conduct Disorder. These results suggest that intelligence doesn’t play a major role in the constellation of psychopathic and/or Conduct-Disordered behaviors.Show less
There is currently little scientific research on male juvenile offenders with Conduct Disorder (CD), while 73% of male juvenile offenders have this disorder. In addition, many adolescents with CD...Show moreThere is currently little scientific research on male juvenile offenders with Conduct Disorder (CD), while 73% of male juvenile offenders have this disorder. In addition, many adolescents with CD receive no treatment or the incorrect treatment, while demonstrating high levels of aggression and psychopathic traits. People with CD show abnormalities in brain areas responsible for social cognition. The question is whether the neurocognitive abnormalities for social cognition is the cause of symptomatic behaviors such as aggression and psychopathic traits. This study aimed to investigate whether there is an association between social cognition, aggression and psychopathy in male juvenile delinquents with CD. The sample consisted of 52 male juvenile delinquents with CD (M = 16.94 years; SD = 1.36 years; range = 15 - 19 years). The mean IQ was 95.92 (SD = 6.45). In addition, the mean socioeconomic status (SES) of the participants was -0.83 (SD = 1.80; range = -5.24 - 2.77). The following questionnaires were used: Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Reactive Proactive Questionnaire (RPQ) and the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI). Results showed that impairments in social cognition was a significant predictor of both reactive aggression and total aggression score. No significant association was found between impairments in social cognition and proactive aggression and psychopathy. The current research contributes to the knowledge of the treatment of male juvenile delinquents with CD. More scientific research is needed to confirm the results of this study.Show less
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Conduct disorder (CD) have somewhat similar symptoms. Both are characterized by problems with cognitive empathy, but CD is also characterized by problems with...Show moreAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Conduct disorder (CD) have somewhat similar symptoms. Both are characterized by problems with cognitive empathy, but CD is also characterized by problems with affective empathy. Research has shown that problems with affective empathy can be linked to aggression. CD is characterized by aggression, both proactive and reactive, but this is not clear for ASD. Current research was conducted to answer the question: On what aspects do ASD and CD differ from each other and from a control (CON) group, considering empath and aggression? A sample of 112 boys participated in the study. They were divided into three groups based on the diagnosis of CD, ASD or no diagnosis (CON). They were asked to fill in the Basic Empathy Scale (BES) and the Reactive-Proactive Agression Questionaire (RPQ). A distinction was made between affective and cognitive empathy and a total empathy score, and between proactive and reactive aggression and a total aggression score. The results showed that CD had more problems with empathy, specifically affective empathy, than ASD compared to CON. CD showed a higher score on aggression, on both subscales and the total score, than both ASD and CON. ASD did not differ from CON on any of the variables. These results support previous research in which it was stated that there is an association between problems with affective empathy and aggression in children with CD. This association was not found for ASD. It is suggested that future research should investigate possible factors that could be of influence on the absence of this relation between empathy and aggression for ASD.Show less
There is a growing need for scientific knowledge concerning treating youth who misbehave. This literature review aims to generate a complete overview of available literature regarding conduct...Show moreThere is a growing need for scientific knowledge concerning treating youth who misbehave. This literature review aims to generate a complete overview of available literature regarding conduct disorder in youngsters. This study looks into the various effective interventions for treating conduct disorder and callous-unemotional traits. Also, this study generates an overview for interventions per subfield, namely for social, psychological and psychopharmaceutical interventions. Only literature with a (quasi-) experimental research design has been considered helpful to minimalize the chances of distortion of the literature. Studies with a strong or exclusive focus on comorbidity or other diagnoses apart from conduct disorder or callous-unemotional traits are not included in this review. Results conclude that rewards are more effective than (harsh) punishments, structured group sessions result in positive behavioural changes in youth, and interventions directed at altering and improving parental skills flow through more positive child behaviour and decreased of callous-unemotional traits. Parental warmth and responsiveness seem to be especially important because harsh physical punishments decrease as time goes by and, therefore, a child’s problematic behaviour and callous-unemotional traits as well. Also, general and preventive interventions have positive results for most youngsters irrespective of having a diagnosis. The use of medication should be reserved for youth with persistent and long-term aggressive behaviour. Certain medication is effective; however, it should be used as a complementary component of treatment. One should not solely rely on medication administration in the treatment of conduct disorder and callous-unemotional traits. Furthermore, results show that a minimal number of studies have been dedicated to a conduct disorder on its own. Most of the studies have been found to comprise multiple disorders in youngsters. More research should be dedicated to discovering effective elements in interventions solely for a conduct disorder.Show less
