Parsing Heterogeneity: Sex Differences in Youth Antisocial Behavior

Abstract

This study examined sources of heterogeneity in antisocial behaviors in a large-scale and nationally representative sample of n = 7655 youth from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. Separate latent profile analyses were conducted for males and females using indicators of physical aggression, relational aggression, callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and conduct symptom severity. Distinct profiles emerged within each sex. Among females, profiles were primarily differentiated by levels of CU traits, whereas among males, physical aggression played a more central role in distinguishing groups. In both sexes, a higher-risk profile characterized by elevated aggression and/or CU traits was identified alongside a lower-severity marked by minimal conduct problems and aggression. Profiles also differed significantly in overall distress, with the higher-risk male profile demonstrating the greatest distress and the lower-risk female profile the least. Findings highlight meaningful sex-specific configurations of aggression and CU traits and underscore the importance of person-centered, sex-informed approaches to developmental models, assessment, and intervention in youth with antisocial behavior.