Bidirectional Effects between Psychopathic Traits and Conduct Problems in Early Childhood: Examining Parenting as Potential Mediator

The association between psychopathic traits and conduct problems has been extensively analyzed, with results showing a significant predictive effect of on later problems. However, some recent research evidenced reversed effects, early-onset also traits. present study aimed to examine the longitudinal effects (i.e., autoregressive, direct, bidirectional) three psychopathy dimensions interpersonal, affective, behavioral), in two data collections spanning one year (T1-T2). potential mediation from inconsistent parenting parental warmth was analyzed. Data were collected, trough parents’ reports, sample 1.833 children (48.8% girls; Mage = 4.24; SD 0.92), participating ELISA (Longitudinal Study for Healthy Childhood). A cross-lagged path analysis performed Mplus. Results showed direct bidirectional Hence, whilst T1 predicted all T2, only callous-unemotional impulsive/need stimulation measured T2. Finally, marginal observed, particularly relationship interpersonal affective traits, CP through warmth. Current findings provide relevant implications developmental models as well preventive strategies