Disruptive behaviour in childhood, such as externalizing behavioural problems, has been linked to later antisocial and criminal behaviour. Impairments in social cognition are hypothesized to...Show moreDisruptive behaviour in childhood, such as externalizing behavioural problems, has been linked to later antisocial and criminal behaviour. Impairments in social cognition are hypothesized to contribute to antisocial and criminal behaviour. This study examines a specific element of social cognition impairment: empathy. We hypothesized that children with disruptive behaviour would exhibit impairments in affective empathy rather than impairment of cognitive empathy. We expected that the two different types of empathy would be associated with different levels of severities and types of aggression: proactive and reactive aggression. Eighty-six children (mean age 10.14 years) with disruptive behaviour took part. They participated in a police crime prevention program. The comparison group consists of forty-one typically developing children (mean age 10.15 years). The children with disruptive behaviour showed significant impairments in both cognitive and affective empathy compared to the comparison group. Empathy only predicted externalizing behaviour, proactive and reactive aggression when we considered the interaction effect of cognitive and affective empathy. When interacting with children exhibiting behavioral problems, it is crucial to recognize that they have a deficiency in a key component that influences the regulation of their brain functions. Further research is needed to identify additional factors that may also contribute to the manifestation of behavioral issues.Show less
