Effects of the “Limited Prosocial Emotions” Specifier for Conduct Disorder on Juror Perceptions of Juvenile Offenders

Abstract

Despite the association that the “Limited Prosocial Emotions” (LPE) specifier for Conduct Disorder (CD) has with psychopathy, little is known about whether the LPE specifier aggravates juvenile proceedings. The present study of 294 juror-eligible U.S. citizens examined the effects of the LPE specifier on juror perceptions of juvenile offenders. Relative to undiagnosed offenders, those with a CD or CD+LPE diagnosis were perceived as less amenable to treatment and more dangerous, and received a more restrictive sentence. A CD+LPE diagnosis did not incrementally increase negative perceptions relative to a CD diagnosis. Interestingly, participants recommended less restrictive sentences for youth with a CD+LPE diagnosis relative to those showing symptoms of CD+LPE without a diagnostic label. Controlling for diagnostic status, higher levels of perceived callous-unemotional traits in youth predicted negative perceptions and recommendations for more restrictive sentences. Findings are discussed within the context of the probative value of mental health evidence within legal settings.