Date of Award
Spring 5-2016
Degree Type
Thesis-Restricted
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Program
Applied Developmental Psychology
Department
Psychology
Major Professor
Marsee, Monica
Second Advisor
Frick, Paul
Third Advisor
Scaramella, Laura
Abstract
This study sought to explore whether PTSD symptoms in detained adolescents were differentially related to high and low patterns of emotional reactivity, as determined based on callous-unemotional (CU) traits and emotion dysregulation. Analyses revealed four distinct groups based on these criteria: a low/no trauma control group with few PTSD symptoms, and three groups whose PTSD symptoms were distinguished by symptoms of emotional numbing. The study sought to determine whether these profiles were related to distinct patterns of aggression and delinquency. Results revealed that the low/no PTSD symptom group exhibited the least aggression and delinquency. Further, results indicated that higher CU traits and violent offending are associated with a combined PTSD symptom profile. Results suggest a relationship between PTSD symptoms, delinquency, aggression, and CU traits. Findings provide support for the existence of a secondary variant of CU youth who are more emotionally dysregulated and prone to both arousal and emotional detachment.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Molly A., "Differential Styles of Emotional Reactivity and Antisocial Behavior Relative to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Expression in Detained Youth" (2016). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 2175.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/2175
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.