The Role of Sociodemographic Variables, Dating Violence, Psychopathy and Antisocial and Law-Violating Behaviors in Predicting Filial Violence Among Adolescents

Introduction: Sex, age, dating violence, psychopathy traits, and antisocial and law-violating behaviors play a crucial role in predicting adolescent-perpetrated filial violence, highlighting key factors associated with aggression towards parents. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of sex, age, dating violence, psychopathy traits, and antisocial and law-violating behaviors in predicting filial violence among adolescents, aiming to identify key factors that contribute to aggression towards parents. Methods: This research engaged 136 Spanish adolescents aged 15-18 (mean age = 16.47; 51% female). Assessments included Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI) for dating violence, the Psychopathy Content Scale (P-16) for psychopathy, the Antisocial and Criminal Behavior Scale in Adolescents (ECADA) for antisocial and law-violating behaviors, and the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) for filial violence. The study utilized linear regression and Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to explore predictive factors. Results: Females experienced more verbal violence, exhibited less delinquency, and showed more filial violence towards mothers. Correlational analyses revealed positive associations between age, psychopathy, antisocial and law-violating behaviors, and verbal violence received. Filial violence towards mothers was linked to psychopathy, antisocial and law-violating behaviors, and verbal violence, while violence towards fathers correlated with psychopathy, delinquency, and maternal violence. Linear regression indicated that violence towards mothers was associated with older age, being female, verbal violence exposure, and psychopathy (47% variance explained), while violence towards fathers was linked to younger age and psychopathy (28% variance explained). QCA models highlighted how combinations of experienced violence and psychopathic traits predict filial violence towards both parents. Conclusions: The study underscores the need to consider multiple psychological and sociodemographic factors in predicting adolescent filial violence. Addressing these risk factors and enhancing protective factors are crucial for preventing violence and fostering adolescent well-being.