Self-Reported Psychopathic Traits and Antisocial Outcomes in Detained Girls: A Prospective Study

This study examines the usefulness of self-reported psychopathy scores in predicting various antisocial outcomes in a sample of detained girls (n = 95, Mage = 16.25). Psychopathic traits at baseline were measured by the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD). Other self-report tools were completed at baseline and 6 months after discharge to assess violent and nonviolent offending, reactive and proactive aggression, and alcohol/drug use. Only occasionally a significant relationship between the APSD total score and these antisocial outcomes was revealed, though the APSD total score did never remain a significant predictor after controlling for past offenses, aggression, and alcohol/drug use. Altogether, these findings suggest that the APSD total score is of restricted usefulness in predicting antisocial outcomes among detained girls. This overall conclusion is consistent with past research using the APSD and other tools and suggests that one should rethink the role of psychopathy measures for risk assessment purposes among detained youths.