Psychopathic traits and behavioral problems in children at risk of psychopathology: The mediating role of executive functions

Abstract

Psychopathic traits (PT) are present from early development and are associated with severe behavioral problems (BP). Poorer executive function (EF) is also associated with BP. This study aims to examine whether PT are associated with deficits in EF, whether these deficits are associated with BP, and the potential mediating role of EF in the relationship between PT and BP. Parents of 180 children at “risk for psychopathology”, aged 5-12 years (M = 8.29; SD = 2.13; 41.1% girls) participated in the study. Results from path analyses supported the expected direct effects, and highlighted the mediation effect of EF in the association between PT and BP. The effects were noteworthy when considering behavioral regulation and emotional control, showing how the relationship between the affective dimension of PT (callous-unemotional traits) and BP was fully mediated by these EF. These findings provide insight to BP heterogeneity and may clarify pathways of BP development, prognosis, and treatment.