Date of Award
Fall 12-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department/Program
Forensic Psychology
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Diana Falkenbach
Second Reader
Cynthia Calkins
Third Advisor
Elizabeth Jeglic
Abstract
Past research discusses the development of psychopathy and its association with aggression and empathy. It highlights that while personality traits central to psychopathy are believed to arise early in life, adolescence is a critical period where these traits interact and manifest in behaviors. Some research discusses the role of empathy in moderating aggressive behavior, suggesting that interventions targeting empathy could potentially reduce aggressive and antisocial behaviors in individuals with psychopathic traits. The current study explores the relationship between psychopathic traits, empathy, and aggression in adolescents, aiming to enhance our understanding of these complex constructs and their implications for risk assessment and intervention. Utilizing an archival data set from a Juvenile Diversion Program, the study examines correlations between aggression (AQ), empathy (IRI), and psychopathic traits (APSD, YPI, and CPS). Correlational analyses reveal positive associations among measures of psychopathy, as well as positive correlations between aggression and psychopathy measures, and negative correlations between empathy and psychopathy measures. Further moderation analyses suggest that empathy moderates the relationship between aggression and certain psychopathy measures in a way that contradicts our hypotheses. Mediation analyses do not find significant mediation effects of empathy in the relationship between psychopathy and aggression. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between psychopathic traits, empathy, and aggression in adolescents, questioning the influence of empathy in this complex relationship. The study's implications extend to clinical practice, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches in understanding these relationships.
Recommended Citation
Valentino, Alessia M., "Influential Nature of Empathy in the Relationship Between Psychopathy and Aggression" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/333
