Neuropsychological Aspects, Drug Use and Traits of Psychopathy in Homicidal Teenagers: a Mixed Explanatory Approach

Introduction: The phenomenon of the adolescent in conflict with the law (ACL) affects everyone who engages in interpersonal violence. Objectives: To understand neuropsychological aspects of executive functions (EFs), impulsivity, anger, drug use (UD), psychopathy traits (TP), and beliefs about the concept of violence were assessed in n=15 juvenile homicide offenders. Method: A mixed-explanatory approach with multiple cases and instruments was used: Wisconsin Card Classification (WSCT), Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), Barrat Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), questionnaire and neuropsychological protocol; and categorized representations from PCL-R interview notes. Results: Quantitative data showed that drug use in the month of the offense occurred in 73.3% of cases. First use began at 13.2 (SD=2.8; 7-18) for alcohol and 13.6 (SD=2.1; 9-17) for marijuana. With perseverative (M=29.9; SD=13.2), impulsivity (M=76.4; SD=4.8), and anger (m=21.7; SD=8.3) with borderline IQ. These data, higher than standardized scores, suggest deficits in EF, increased impulsivity, anger, and TP, with early drug use. Conclusion: Results contributing to the understanding of the concept of violence focused more on actions than on reflection on the interpersonal consequences of violence. Then we understand the pathways like early exposure to work and drug use due to school failure and life precarity.