Causes of serious conduct problems in children with CU traitsThe causes of psychopathy must be explained by a gene-environment (biosocial) interaction. This interaction results in unique individual patterns of cognitive information processing and behavioral expression. (psychological). Recent research shows that CU traits are a major risk factor associated with aggression and criminal behavior (Stickle, Kirkpatrick & Brush, 2009). It appears that unique causal factors are behind the behavioral problems observed in children with CU traits. Therefore, to consider the causes of serious conduct problems that may lead to criminality in children with CU traits, a biopsychosocial approach should be adopted. Accordingly, studies in the areas of developmental psychology, heritability and genes, brain structure and activity, and environmental factors were reviewed. Developmental Psychology In recent years, a model of developmental vulnerability to psychopathy has evolved. The latest brain imaging technologies as well as genetic studies of twins have facilitated the study of correlations between deviant behaviors, genetic differences and brain dysfunctions (Viding, 2012). As noted previously, a subgroup of children with early antisocial behavior and the presence of CU traits specifies a subgroup of children with a more severe, aggressive, and stable pattern of antisocial behavior. These children present a specific neurocognitive profile which indicates defects in the processing of emotions and which could be precursor markers of adult psychopathy (Viding, Jones, Frick & Moffitt, 2008). Empirical research has found that children with CU traits process information, particularly emotional information, differently. . For example, experiences...... middle of article...... mental risk factors are mostly insignificant among a large sample of individuals scoring high on measures of psychopathy. Additionally, the study by Beaver et al. (2011) shows that measures of parental socialization, with the exception of maternal disengagement, had inconsistent and weak effects on psychopathic personality traits. Work by Lang, Klinteberg, and Alm (2002) concludes that children with CU These traits may be more vulnerable than other children to developing antisocial and criminal behavior when in an abusive or neglectful environment, but Childhood maltreatment per se does not lead to violent offending in children with CU traits. In the same spirit, a study by Sadeh et al. (2010) suggest that dysfunction of the serotonin transporter gene could lead to vulnerability to the development of psychopathies and violent behavior in youth exposed to disadvantaged environments..