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Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment

Gepubliceerd in:

12-02-2024

Associations Between Subtypes of Empathy and Aggression in High-Risk Adolescents

Auteurs: Isabella Kahhale, Jamie L. Hanson, Adrian Raine, Amy L. Byrd

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment | Uitgave 1/2024

Abstract

Aggression in youth is a transdiagnostic indicator and associated with a variety of serious, maladaptive outcomes. Theoretically, aggression is linked to individual differences in empathy (i.e., the capacity to understand, resonate with, and experience others’ emotions); yet the empirical research is mixed. To clarify this literature, this pre-registered study examined unique associations between subtypes of empathy (cognitive, affective, somatic, positive, and negative) and aggression (reactive, proactive) among a diverse sample of high-risk adolescents (N = 103; M_age=16.1 years, 53% female; 60% racial/ethnic minoritized groups). Empathy was assessed via youth-report at baseline and aggression was assessed at baseline and 9-month follow-up across multiple informants (youth-, parent-, and teacher). Associations were examined simultaneously while controlling for theoretically relevant covariates (age, sex, minoritized status, receipt of public assistance) and emotional reactivity. Somatic empathy was the most consistent predictor of aggression. Specifically, youth reporting higher somatic empathy had lower levels of youth- and teacher-reported reactive and proactive aggression at baseline and 9-month follow-up. Additionally, youth who endorsed higher affective empathy also reported more reactive aggression at baseline and at follow-up after accounting for individual differences in emotional reactivity. Results highlight the importance of considering subtypes of both empathy and aggression when examining risk and resilience pathways and point to the potential role of somatic empathy as a protective factor. Taken together, findings enhance our understanding of etiological mechanisms for aggression and suggest that interventions that encourage youth to upregulate their emotional sensitivity or interoceptive awareness may reduce aggression.

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At the time of initial recruitment, these participants were between the ages of 11–13 years (M_age = 12.03 years, S.D. = 0.92 years; 47% female; 60% racial/ethnic minority). These youth had elevated scores on the PAI-AI (M = 13.05, S.D. = 2.90; scores > 11 indicating clinical significance; Morey, 2007) and were receiving psychiatric treatment for a mood or behavior problem. For additional information about this sample see Byrd et al., 2022a, b.

Participants with teacher data did not differ from those without any teacher data on age, minority status, or family public assistance. Children with missing teacher data (n = 20) were more likely to be female (t = 2.45, p = 0.02) and from the clinical sample (t = -2.40, p = 0.02).

Participants completing both assessments (n = 98) were compared to those with missing 9-month follow-up data (n = 5) on all demographic covariates (age, sex, minority status, receipt of public assistance, and group). Participants with complete data did not differ from those who only completed the baseline assessment, with the exception of group (i.e., all participants lost to follow-up were from the clinical sample (t = -7.34, p < 0.001).

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Titel: Associations Between Subtypes of Empathy and Aggression in High-Risk Adolescents
Auteurs: Isabella Kahhale
Jamie L. Hanson
Adrian Raine
Amy L. Byrd
Publicatiedatum: 12-02-2024
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment / Uitgave 1/2024
Print ISSN: 0882-2689
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3505
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-023-10112-1

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