Childhood Trauma and Psychopathic Features Among Juvenile Offenders

Background and Purpose: Psychopathy and childhood trauma discussions occur related to juvenile offenders, but they often occur isolated from each other.  Psychopathic personality features in juvenile offenders have garnered significant research attention in the past ten years. Despite this interest, few studies have examined the relationship between childhood trauma and these features.  This study aims to further understand the relationship between childhood trauma and psychopathic features and the implications for assessment and practice in the juvenile justice system.  This study also has the ability to look at gender differences between childhood trauma and psychopathic features.

Methods:  Cross-sectional data from 253 adolescents in a residential facility for juvenile offenders in Western Pennsylvania was analyzed. Psychopathic features were assessed using the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) and childhood trauma was assessed using the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument (MAYSI-2)-Traumatic Experiences Scale and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Zero-order correlations and linear regression techniques were employed for boys and girls to examine the relationships between measures.   

Results: YPI scores were significantly correlated with the MAYSI-2-Traumatic Experiences (girls only subscale) (r =.31, p<.01), CTQ Physical Abuse Subscale (r =.25, p<.001), CTQ Emotional Abuse Subscale (r =.25, p<.001), and CTQ Family Stress Subscale (r = .27, p<.001).  Correlations were run for males and females and notable similarities and differences were seen.  For males, the YPI scores were significantly correlated with the CTQ Physical Abuse Subscale (r = .19, p<.05), CTQ Emotional Abuse Subscale (r = .26, p<.01), and CTQ Family Stress Subscale (r = .29, p<.01).  For females, the YPI scores were also significantly correlated with the CTQ Physical Abuse Subscale (r = .30, p<.01), CTQ Emotional Abuse Subscale (r = .27, p<.01), and CTQ Family Stress Subscale (r = .26, p<.01).  In addition, the YPI scores were also significantly correlated with the Family Support Subscale (r = -.20, p<.05).  Linear regression findings indicated differential results by gender. For boys, the CTQ Family Stress Subscale was the only significant predictor of YPI scores (β=.22, p<.05). After controlling for CTQ effects, the MAYSI-2 Traumatic Experiences was the only significant predictor for girls (β=.25, p<.05).   

Conclusions and Implications:  Childhood trauma as assessed by the MAYSI-2 appears to be associated with psychopathic features among girls and family stress appears to be a predictive factor for boys.  It is important for decision makers in the juvenile justice system to understand the interplay of environment and the multiple etiologies of psychopathy for the youth they serve.  With just psychopathy scores, decision makers will determine the outcomes based on what they believe is true about psychopathy.   These results suggest that nuanced understanding of trauma history for these adolescents may not only be a pathway to psychopathy but also a critical part of their overall assessment and treatment plan. This study highlights the need for more research in this area because of the impact on individuals, families, and communities.