Antisocial behavior: Connection with positive emotions and predictor variables

Abstract

The study had two goals: 1) To explore the relations between antisocial behavior (self-assessed and parent-assessed) and variables such as empathy, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and personality dimensions (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, responsibility); and 2) To identify variables that predict antisocial behavior. The sample is made up of 3,026 participants aged between 12 and 18 years. Using a descriptive and correlational design, 6 assessment instruments were administered. The results showed that adolescents young people of both sexes, with high scores in antisocial behavior had significantly: 1) less capacity for empathy (take on the other’s viewpoint); 2) less capacity for emotional regulation (control of moods); 3) lower level of agreeableness (cordiality, altruism); 4) lower level of responsibility (will to achieve academic goals); 5) higher level of neuroticism (emotional instability, negative feelings); and 6) higher level of extraversion (sociability, assertiveness, excitement). The relations between antisocial behavior and self-esteem were inconclusive. Low levels of empathy, agreeableness, and responsibility, and high levels of neuroticism, extraversion, and being older predicted antisocial behavior. The discussion emphasizes the importance of implementing programs that promote socio-emotional development (communication, empathy, emotions, prosocial
behavior…) to prevent antisocial behavior.

CITE AS:

Garaigordobil Landazabal, M., Aliri Lazcano, J., Martínez-Valderrey, V., Maganto Mateo, C., Bernaras Iturrioz, E. & Jaureguizar Alboniga-Mayor, J. (2013). Conducta antisocial: conexión con emociones positivas y variables predictoras. Apuntes de Psicología, 31, 123-133.