Page 46 - GHES-3-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Personality and adolescent mental health

Openness to experience, another trait linked to pro- et al., 2023; Kimonis, 2023; Michielsen et al., 2022; Rodgers
social behavior, reflects a willingness to embrace new ideas, et al., 2024; Todorov et al., 2023).
experiences, and perspectives. Adolescents who have high Longitudinal studies suggest that the effects of
openness are often more receptive to environmental issues childhood trauma on personality development are not
and are more likely to engage in sustainable practices, such only profound but also enduring. Traumatized adolescents
as reducing waste or supporting environmental initiatives often exhibit persistent difficulties in emotional regulation,
(Abu Raya et al., 2023; Pino et al., 2024; Soutter et al., interpersonal relationships, and social functioning, which
2020). These behaviors are reflective of a broader concern can evolve into more severe personality disorders if
for the world around them and a commitment to making left untreated (Cruz et al., 2022; De Bellis & Zisk, 2014;
a positive impact.
Laricchiuta et al., 2023). Early intervention and therapeutic
In summary, personality traits have a profound approaches that focus on trauma recovery are crucial for
influence on the behavioral outcomes of adolescents. While preventing the progression of CU traits and promoting
traits such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and CU traits healthier emotional and social development (Fleming
contribute to risky and delinquent behaviors, traits such as et al., 2023; Pasalich et al., 2023; Singh et al., 2022; Squillaci
conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness foster pro- & Benoit, 2021).
social and pro-environmental actions. By understanding
the links between personality and behavior, interventions 5.2. Oxytocin and psychopathy
can be designed to promote positive behavioral outcomes Recent research has explored the neurobiological
and mitigate the risks associated with maladaptive traits. underpinnings of psychopathy development, with a
particular focus on oxytocin, a hormone associated with
5. The impact of childhood trauma and social bonding and emotional regulation. Oxytocin plays a
psychopathy development critical role in the development of trust, empathy, and pro-

5.1. The role of childhood trauma social behavior, making it a key factor in understanding the
emotional deficits observed in adolescents with CU traits
Childhood trauma is a significant risk factor in and psychopathy (Fragkaki et al., 2019; Marsh et al., 2021;
the development of maladaptive personality traits Singer et al., 2008; Sonne & Gash, 2018; Tarsha & Narvaez,
and mental health problems during adolescence. 2023). Studies suggest that lower levels of oxytocin are
Traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, and linked to reduced emotional empathy and increased
family dysfunction, can disrupt normal emotional and likelihood of antisocial behavior.
psychological development, leaving long-lasting effects
that shape personality and behavior (d’Huart et al., 2022; In adolescents with CU traits or a history of trauma,
Dvir et al., 2014; Tzouvara et al., 2023). Adolescents who oxytocin dysregulation may contribute to their inability to
have experienced trauma often exhibit heightened levels of form meaningful social connections and their tendency
neuroticism, emotional instability, and impulsivity, which toward emotional detachment (Chang et al., 2021;
increase their susceptibility to both internalizing disorders Kimonis, 2023; Paulus et al., 2021; Pisano et al., 2017).
(e.g., anxiety and depression) and externalizing behaviors Oxytocin deficiency has been associated with difficulties
(e.g., aggression and substance use) (Babicka-Wirkus et al., in forming emotional bonds, leading to the cold and
2023; Darnell et al., 2019; Laricchiuta et al., 2023; Panuccio unemotional demeanor often observed in individuals with
et al., 2022). psychopathic tendencies (Cochran et al., 2013; Fragkaki
et al., 2019; Frazier et al., 2019; Thompson et al., 2014). This
Moreover, childhood trauma has been closely linked
to the development of CU traits, which are hallmarks of hormonal imbalance may also play a role in the reduced
psychopathy. Research indicates that trauma, particularly sensitivity to social cues and the emotional flatness that
emotional neglect and abuse, can lead to a lack of characterizes psychopathy (Cochran et al., 2013; Jones
emotional responsiveness and empathy in adolescents, et al., 2017; Kucerova et al., 2023; Pace-Schott et al., 2019).
contributing to the development of CU traits (Cardoso The relationship between oxytocin and psychopathy
et al., 2023; Fang et al., 2020; Pasalich et al., 2023; Silva suggests potential avenues for treatment and intervention.
et al.; Todorov et al., 2023; Yang et al., 2024). These traits For instance, oxytocin-based therapies, such as nasal
often manifest as a disregard for the feelings of others, a sprays or interventions aimed at boosting natural oxytocin
lack of guilt or remorse, and an increased likelihood of production, may help improve emotional responsiveness
engaging in antisocial behaviors. Adolescents who develop and social bonding in adolescents at risk for psychopathy
CU traits as a result of trauma are at a higher risk for later (Bargiota et al., 2023; Cochran et al., 2013; Gedeon
psychopathy and long-term criminal activity (Cardoso et al., 2019). However, more research is needed to fully

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 38 https://doi.org/10.36922/GHES025080013