Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers
Published on: March 14, 2018
Psychopathic personality in children: genetic and environmental contributions
S Bezdjian1, A Raine, L A Baker
1Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1061, USA. bezdjian@usc.edu
Background:
The current study investigates whether the underlying factor structure of psychopathic personality traits found in adults is similar to that in children and what the extent of the genetic and environmental influences are on these psychopathic traits.
Method:
Psychopathic personality traits were assessed in a community sample of 1219 twins and triplets (age 9-10 years) through caregiver reports of each child's behavior using the Child Psychopathy Scale (CPS).
Results:
Confirmatory factor analyses revealed an optimal two-factor solution (callous/disinhibited and manipulative/deceitful) to the CPS subscales. Bivariate genetic modeling of the two computed factor scores revealed significant genetic as well as unique environmental influences on psychopathic personality traits in both boys and girls, with heritability estimates of 0.64 and 0.46, respectively, in boys and 0.49 and 0.58, respectively, in girls. No shared environmental influences on psychopathic personality traits were found.
Conclusions:
The relationship between the two factors was mediated by both genetic and unique environmental factors common to both traits.
Related Concept Videos
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Behavioral Characteristics and...
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.

