In Western society, the prevalence of disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) is rapidly growing. Scientific research of related child factors contributes to optimization of prevention and treatment...Show moreIn Western society, the prevalence of disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) is rapidly growing. Scientific research of related child factors contributes to optimization of prevention and treatment of DBDs and psychopathic traits. Previous research has revealed DBDs and psychopathic traits are related to aberrant reward and punishment sensitivity and aberrant response perseveration. Current research aims to investigate the exact reflection of reward and punishment sensitivity and response perseveration in boys with DBDs and psychopathic traits. In current correlational Dutch research, 84 boys between 8 and 12 years from clinical centers, regular and special education have been studied. Both surveys – Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Parent version, Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory-Child Version and Antisocial Processing Screening Device-Parent Form – and assessments for measuring cognitive abilities – Hungry Donkey Task and Door Opening Task – have been used. Results suggest a very large effect of DBDs on psychopathic traits measured by parent reports. No effects on reward and punishment sensitivity and response perseveration have been found between the DBD group and the control group. Psychopathic traits neither correlate with reward and punishment sensitivity and response perseveration, nor moderate reward and punishment sensitivity and response perseveration in the DBD group. In conclusion, boys with DBDs show – according to parents – more disturbances in interpersonal, affective and behavioral responses compared to the control group. No differences in reward and punishment sensitivity and response perseveration are found between these groups, neither when controlling for psychopathic traits. Finally, the extent to which boys with a DBD persevere in their responses (i.e. when no reward is given), cannot be predicted by their responses to reward and punishment (i.e. conduct continuation and adjustment). Compared to earlier research, contradicting findings have been found in current research and further research needs to be done.Show less
