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Parsing Heterogeneity: Sex Differences in Youth Antisocial Behavior
Maya A Irvin-Vitela1, Monica A Marsee1, Tess M S Neal1
1Iowa State University, Iowa, Ames, USA.
Aggressive Behavior
|March 25, 2026
Summary
Antisocial behaviors in youth show distinct patterns based on sex. Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are key for females, while physical aggression defines groups for males, impacting distress levels.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- Antisocial behaviors in youth represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding heterogeneity in these behaviors is crucial for effective intervention.
- Previous research often overlooks sex-specific developmental pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct developmental profiles of antisocial behavior in a large, nationally representative sample of youth.
- To examine sex differences in the manifestation and correlates of these profiles.
- To inform sex-specific approaches to assessment and intervention for youth antisocial behavior.
Main Methods:
- Latent profile analysis was used on data from 7,655 youth in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study.
- Analyses were conducted separately for males and females.
- Indicators included physical aggression, relational aggression, callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and conduct symptom severity.
Main Results:
- Distinct antisocial behavior profiles emerged for both males and females.
- Female profiles were primarily differentiated by callous-unemotional (CU) traits.
- Male profiles were more centrally distinguished by physical aggression.
- A higher-risk profile (elevated aggression and/or CU traits) and a lower-severity profile were identified in both sexes.
- Profiles differed significantly in distress levels, with higher-risk males reporting the most distress.
Conclusions:
- Antisocial behavior presents with meaningful sex-specific configurations of aggression and callous-unemotional (CU) traits.
- These findings support the need for person-centered, sex-informed developmental models.
- Implications for assessment and intervention strategies for youth with antisocial behavior are highlighted.
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