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
