Differences and Similarities in Predictors of Externalizing Behavior Problems Between Boys and Girls: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the sex-specific predictive value of age of onset of delinquent behaviors, callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and anger-irritability problems for externalizing behavior problems in institutionalized adolescents over the course of 1 year. A total of 118 girls and 240 boys from child welfare and juvenile justice institutions were evaluated twice: At T1, age of onset, CU traits, anger-irritability problems, nonverbal reasoning, and externalizing behavior problems were measured; at T2 (later), externalizing behavior problems were measured a second time. Results showed significant interactions between sex and anger-irritability problems, and between sex and CU traits, in the sense that the relation between these two predictors at T1 and externalizing behavior problems at T2 was stronger in girls than in boys. Results of this study point out sex differences in the validity of predictors of externalizing behavior problems

Contribution of Implicit/Explicit Self-Esteem and Gender in Psychopathic Traits at Adolescence

The present study aimed to investigate gender-specific combinations of implicit and explicit self-esteem, helping to understand psychopathic traits (lifestyle, affective, and interpersonal) in adolescents at risk of delinquency. Two hundred thirty-one adolescent boys and girls (from public schools and child welfare and juvenile justice institutions) completed questionnaires measuring explicit self-esteem and psychopathic traits, as well as a computerized Implicit Association Test (IAT) assessing implicit self-esteem. Boys at risk of delinquent behaviors with anxious self-esteem (high implicit/low explicit) as well as at-risk girls with defensive self-esteem (low implicit/high explicit) displayed the highest scores in interpersonal and lifestyle traits. No relationship was found between gender-specific combinations of self-esteem and affective traits. Two gender-specific profiles were identified among the group at risk of delinquent behaviors: Girls with a defensive self-esteem (low implicit/high explicit) and boys with an anxious (or damaged) self-esteem (high implicit/low explicit) presented more interpersonal and lifestyle traits than other groups

Différences de genre dans les troubles psychiatriques présentés par les jeunes placés dans un centre éducatif fermé

Objectives. - In Switzerland, adolescents are responsible for many crimes. In 2014, almost 13,000 juvenile offenders were convicted by the courts (mainly convicted under the Swiss Criminal Code and Narcotics Act Consumption). Although a decrease trend was observed for 2008, these delinquent behaviors remain a concern for public health, politics and educational authorities. In addition to repressive measures, the implementation of an effective and appropriate treatment program appears necessary. Indeed, the admission to an educational center is a "time-window" useful to establish short and specific interventions (rehabilitation programs, psychological treatment and educational measures). In order to propose interventions and appropriate educational measures, it is essential to know the situation of juvenile offenders. The aim of the present study is to describe adolescents admitted in an educational center for youth delinquents. The study highlighted gender-specific differences in sociodemographic data and psychiatric disorders. Methods. - The sample is composed of 43 delinquent adolescents with 32.6% of girls and 67.4% of boys. During a structured interview, each youth answered about social-economic, and sociodemographic questions. Psychiatric disorders were assessed with the French version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Present and Lifetime version (K-SAD-PL). Results. - The results indicated that almost two-third of youths (61%) had dropped out of school. Additionally, results revealed that there are not gender differences in sociodemographic data. Furthermore, whereas girls presented a mix of internalizing and externalizing psychiatric disorders, boys where more exclusively externalizing psychiatric disorders. More specifically, girls showed a significantly higher level of anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder than boys. Girls showed a higher risk for suicide. In contrast, boys used more illegal substances than girls (mostly cannabis). Overall, in 40% of adolescents, illegal substances use started before the age of 14 years. Conclusion. - This study highlighted gender differences in psychiatric disorders related to delinquent behaviors. Indeed, girls showed more complex psychiatric disorders than boys. Thus, a therapeutic program should target gender-specific needs of young offenders, focusing on the most relevant aspects of psychiatric disorder such as internalizing problems in girls. (C) 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. Reprint Address: Urben, S (reprint author), Unite Rech, 9 Ave Echallens, CH-1004 Lausanne, Switzerland