Citation

Salekin RT, Rosenbaum J, Lee Z, Lester WS. Youth Violence Juv. Justice 2009; 7(3): 239-255.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1541204009333832

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This review paper discusses the construct of child and adolescent psychopathy and outlines controversy about the topic as well as some of the reasons that it might be developmentally appropriate. Past research has suggested that child psychopathy may be inapplicable to youth because the symptoms cannot be reliably distinguished from features of normative adolescent development. Concerns have also been raised regarding the possibility that the syndrome does not closely resemble the adult construct of psychopathy. We conclude that there is some truth to both sides of this story. Research shows that child psychopathy has a considerable degree of reliability and construct validity; however, there are also some important developmental differences. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates potential changes in psychopathic symptoms over time and the important role of protective factors. Although, current research suggests that the concept of child psychopathy may be like an impressionist painting (i.e., clearer from a distance but messier as one gets closer), we argue this is not necessarily problematic from a developmental perspective. However, we conclude that a rigorous set of research studies will be needed to further advance our understanding of child psychopathy and the way it manifests itself over time.