The aim of this study was to investigate relations between psychopathic traits and internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescent boys and girls. A sample of 361 boys and 313 girls who...Show moreThe aim of this study was to investigate relations between psychopathic traits and internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescent boys and girls. A sample of 361 boys and 313 girls who attend prevocational and secondary vocational education in the Netherlands were assessed using self-report questionnaires. The Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory is used to measure psychopathic traits on the interpersonal factor, the affective factor, the lifestyle factor and on the total score. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire is a screening questionnaire on internalizing problems (emotional problems and problems with peers) and externalizing problems (hyperactivity/attention problems and conduct problems). The results reveal that boys reported higher scores on all the three factors of psychopathy (interpersonal factor, affective factor and lifestyle factor) than girls and on the total score of psychopathy. Girls reported higher scores on internalizing problems and there were no differences found between boys and girls scores on externalizing problems. Significant positive relations were found between all psychopathy factors and internalizing and externalizing problems in boys and girls. There were no differences found between boys and girls on the relationship between psychopathic traits and problem behavior. The results and their implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.Show less
