Executive Functions, Psychopathy Traits and Sexual Behavior in Adolescents Deprived of Liberty in Rondônia

Abstract

Executive functions, psychopathic traits, age of first sexual intercourse and work of adolescents in conflict with the law were evaluated. The hypotheses were that there would be differences between r first-time and repeat offenders and the predictive role of these variables for the act. The general objective was to evaluate these functions, compare intragroups, identify associations and predictions for the infraction. 109 adolescents institutionalized for serious acts were evaluated, with an average age of 16.5 years. Instruments used: Wisconsin Card Rating Scale, the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised Scale, and the neuropsychological protocol. The analysis of variance differentiated the groups in eight variables, with the repeat offenders having greater traits of psychopathy and age at the first infraction. The age at first sexual intercourse did not differentiate the groups, characterizing them as early exposure. Furthermore, executive functions explained 12.1% of the infraction. There were associations with life history in context of adversity, indicating that executive functions in development could not protect them from negative adverse influences. A reality that emphasizes the role of neurobiological development in assessments, monitoring and interventions in situations of institutionalization of deprivation of socio-educational freedom of adolescents due to acts involving serious use of violence.