A load theory of attention in which distractor rejection depends on the level and type of load involved in current processing was tested. A series of experiments demonstrates that whereas high perceptual load reduces distractor interference, working memory load or dual-task coordination load increases distractor interference. These findings suggest 2 selective attention mechanisms: a perceptual selection mechanism serving to reduce distractor perception in situations of high perceptual load that exhaust perceptual capacity in processing relevant stimuli and a cognitive control mechanism that reduces interference from perceived distractors as long as cognitive control functions are available to maintain current priorities (low cognitive load). This theory resolves the long-standing early versus late selection debate and clarifies the role of cognitive control in selective attention.

The remarkably high heritability for CU, and for AB children with CU, suggests that molecular genetic research on antisocial behaviour should focus on the CU core of psychopathy. Our findings also raise questions for public policy on interventions for antisocial behaviour.

BackgroundEmpathy dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of psychopathy, but it is also sometimes thought to characterise autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Individuals with either condition can appear uncaring towards others. This study set out to compare and contrast directly boys with psychopathic tendencies and boys with ASD on tasks assessing aspects of affective empathy and cognitive perspective taking. The main aim of the study was to assess whether a distinct profile of empathy deficits would emerge for boys with psychopathic tendencies and ASD, and whether empathy deficits would be associated with conduct problems in general, rather than psychopathic tendencies or ASD specifically.MethodsFour groups of boys aged between 9 and 16 years (N = 96) were compared: 1) psychopathic tendencies, 2) ASD, 3) conduct problems and 4) comparison. Tasks were included to probe attribution of emotions to self, empathy for victims of aggression and cognitive perspective-taking ability.ResultsBoys with psychopathic tendencies had a profile consistent with dysfunctional affective empathy. They reported experiencing less fear and less empathy for victims of aggression than comparison boys. Their cognitive perspective-taking abilities were not statistically significantly different from those of comparison boys. In contrast, boys with ASD had difficulties with tasks requiring cognitive perspective taking, but reported emotional experiences and victim empathy that were in line with comparison boys. Boys with conduct problems did not differ from comparison boys, suggesting that the affective empathy deficit seen in boys with psychopathic tendencies was specific to that group, rather than common to all boys with conduct problems.ConclusionsAlthough both groups can appear uncaring, our findings suggest that the affective/information processing correlates of psychopathic tendencies and ASD are quite different. Psychopathic tendencies are associated with difficulties in resonating with other people’s distress, whereas ASD is characterised by difficulties in knowing what other people think.

This finding is in line with data from studies of adults with antisocial behavior and callous-unemotional traits (i.e., psychopaths), as well as from a recent study of adolescents with callous-unemotional traits, and suggests that the neural substrates of emotional impairment associated with callous-unemotional antisocial behavior are already present in childhood.

This paper reviews research on chronic patterns of antisocial behavior and places this research into a developmental psychopathology framework. Specifically, research suggests that there are at least three important pathways through which children and adolescents can develop severe antisocial behaviors. One group of youth shows antisocial behavior that begins in adolescence, and two groups show antisocial behavior that begins in childhood but differ on the presence or absence of callous-unemotional traits. In outlining these distinct pathways to antisocial behavior, we have tried to illustrate some key concepts from developmental psychopathology such as equifinality and multifinality, the importance of understanding the interface between normal and abnormal development, and the importance of using multiple levels of analyses to advance causal theories. Finally, we discuss how this development model can be used to enhance existing interventions for antisocial individuals.The study of antisocial, criminal, and aggressive behaviors has a long and rich research history (Binder, 1987). This intensive focus from research is not surprising given that these behaviors often operate at a very high cost to society, such as costs to victims of these behaviors and the costs associated with detaining individuals in an effort to protect potential future victims (Krug, Dahlberg, Mercy, Zwi, & Lozano, 2002;Loeber & Farrington, 2001). Of importance, these behaviors have been studied from a number of different perspectives, including anthropological, evolutionary, sociological, psychological, and biological perspectives, to name a few. Research from each of these disciplines provides a unique perspective for understanding the course, causes, and most effective interventions for individuals who show severe antisocial behaviors. In this paper, and in fitting with this special section, we take a developmental psychopathology approach for integrating the large and diverse research literature on antisocial behavior, used broadly to refer to criminal and aggressive behaviors, as well as other behaviors that violate the rights of others or major societal norms.We think that a developmental psychopathology approach for integrating this research could be important for at least two reasons. First, a developmental psychopathology framework provides a very useful way for integrating the diverse research literatures into a coherent causal model. This can help us to understand the developmental mechanisms that can lead to antisocial behavior patterns and to translate this research into implications for prevention and treatment. Second, research on antisocial behavior provides a clear way of illustrating the importance of several key developmental psychopathology concepts, such as equifinality and multifinality, the importance of integrating research on both normal and abnormal development, and the importance of integrating multiple level of analyses (e.g., neurological, social, cognitive, behavioral) for understanding psychopathological...