Eysenck’s personality dimensions as predictors of male adolescent trajectories of physical aggression, theft and vandalism

The current study examined group-based trajectories of physical aggression, theft and vandalism and Eysenck’s personality dimensions in 868 adolescent boys. Results indicated, for boys following the high trajectories in physical aggression, theft and vandalism, the most important personality dimensions were the psychotic characteristics (i.e., Empathy and Impulsivity). Extravert characteristics (i.e., Energy and Venturesomeness) also discriminated, although to a lesser extent, between the persistent trajectory and low-declining trajectory for each behavior. In addition, the presence of Venturesomeness was associated with the persistent trajectories of vandalism and theft. These results provide considerable support for Eysenck’s hypothesis concerning personality combinations of (1) psychotic traits (Impulsivity and Empathy), and (2) Impulsivity and extravert traits as predictors of antisocial behavior.