Date of Award

2013

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Psychology

Keywords

Psychology, Antisocial behaviour, Callous-unemotional traits, Impulsivity

Supervisor

Carlin J. Miller

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

The present study investigated the hypothesis that callous-unemotional traits mediate the relation between impulsivity and antisocial behaviour in an undergraduate, emerging adult sample. Participants (n=181) provided demographic information and completed a computerized battery of questionnaires and tasks addressing personality and behaviour. Total scores on the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) and Self-Report Delinquency Scale (SRD) were used as indicators of callous-unemotionality and antisociality, respectively. Stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) was calculated from a stop-signal task as an indicator of impulsivity. A stepwise multiple regression showed that the best combination of predictors for antisocial behaviour was having a mother whose highest level of education is a high school diploma and callous-unemotional traits. Additionally, using the Baron and Kenny (1986) mediation model, it was found that callous-unemotional traits do not mediate the impulsivity-antisocial behaviour relation. Several results were inconsistent with previous studies, indicating the need for more research in this population.

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