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07-03-2023 | Original Article

Childhood Trauma Predicts Sadistic Traits and Violent Behavior in Incarcerated Youth

Auteurs: F. Cazala, A. Sajous-Turner, M. F. Caldwell, G. J. Van Rybroek, K. A. Kiehl, C. L. Harenski

Gepubliceerd in: Child Psychiatry & Human Development | Uitgave 6/2024

Abstract

Childhood trauma exposure is prevalent among incarcerated youth and associated with antisocial traits and behavior. It has been proposed as a risk factor for the development of sadistic traits, which has been shown to predict future violence in youth. Using regression analyses, we examined the association between self-report and expert-rated measures of childhood trauma, sadistic traits (i.e., verbal, physical, vicarious sadism), and violence (i.e., homicide and non-homicide violent acts) in 54 incarcerated juveniles. Expert-rated (but not self-report) severity of physical abuse was associated with physical and vicarious sadistic traits. Other trauma types (e.g., emotional or sexual abuse) were not significantly associated with sadistic traits. Physical abuse coupled with vicarious sadistic traits conferred the highest risk of non-homicide violence. The findings support and clarify links between childhood trauma, sadistic traits, and violent behavior in youth, and are distinct from those found in other antisocial profiles.

vorige artikel Investigating the Validity of the Australian Early Development Census

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Titel: Childhood Trauma Predicts Sadistic Traits and Violent Behavior in Incarcerated Youth
Auteurs: F. Cazala
A. Sajous-Turner
M. F. Caldwell
G. J. Van Rybroek
K. A. Kiehl
C. L. Harenski
Publicatiedatum: 07-03-2023
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Child Psychiatry & Human Development / Uitgave 6/2024
Print ISSN: 0009-398X
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-023-01494-0

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