Psychopathic severity profiles: A latent profile analysis in youth samples with implications for the diagnosis of conduct disorder

Purpose: The current study aimed to explore the benefits of including a broader set of psychopathic traits (i.e. Grandiose-Manipulative; Callous-Unemotional, Impulsive-Irresponsible traits) to specify Conduct Disorder (CD). Methods: A Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) based on the three-factor model of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short was performed with a forensic sample of 393 male adolescents and was replicated in a community sample of 481 male adolescents. Significant mean differences on outcome variables across profiles in the forensic sample were also tested using the modified BCH and the DCAT methods. Results: Results revealed the existence of three psychopathic severity profiles: a low psychopathic traits profile, an average psychopathic traits profile, and a high psychopathic traits profile. Though with lower scores, replication of the LPA in a community sample yielded approximately the same psychopathic severity profiles. The psychopathic profiles within the forensic sample differed on key variables including CD diagnosis, severity of comorbid diagnoses, recidivism risk, and aggression. Conclusions: Overall, the results highlight the importance of considering the full range of psychopathic traits in the assessment and treatment of youth with conduct problems, especially those in contact with the juvenile justice system.