Utilizing Multiple Psychopathy Components as Specifiers for Conduct Problems: Implications for Subtyping Conduct Problems in School-Attending Youths

There is an emerging suggestion that incorporating the grandiose-manipulative (GM) and daring-impulsive (DI) traits alongside the callous-unemotional (CU) specifier could offer valuable insights into subtyping youths with behavior problems. However, this approach remains largely untested and speculative. To further deepen our understanding of this subject, the current study investigated the potential of these psychopathic components as specifiers for conduct problems (CP) in school-attending youths. Data from self-report (n = 2,381) and parent-report (n = 1,846) measures were analyzed to assess the GM, CU, and DI traits, CP, and related variables. Findings revealed that CP significantly predicted negative outcomes across both samples. Additionally, the GM, CU, and DI traits independently predicted theoretically and clinically relevant external variables (e.g., proactive aggression), even after controlling for CP, age, gender, and socioeconomic status, providing a basis for considering these traits as specifiers for CP. Moreover, children exhibiting CP alongside elevated levels of these psychopathic traits demonstrate higher scores in externalizing psychopathology compared to several other groups, including the subgroup of children with CP and high CU levels. These findings offer preliminary support for incorporating GM and DI traits as specifiers for CP. However, definitive conclusions regarding their inclusion in diagnostic manuals are premature, and further comprehensive evaluations of their utility are necessary to inform ongoing discussions and potential revisions.