Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

According to research by Perry and colleagues, highly aggressive children typically:

1. Were exposed prenatally to high levels of androgens

2. Are less sensitive to physical discomfort

3. Exhibited a disoriented/disengaged attachment pattern

4. Show little remorse after hurting another child

The correct answer is: Show little remorse after hurting another child

The research by Perry and colleagues indicates that highly aggressive children often show little remorse after hurting others. This lack of remorse is a significant indicator of their aggressive behavior, as it suggests a deficiency in empathy and moral understanding. When children exhibit aggression, their inability to feel guilt or concern for the wellbeing of others is a vital aspect of their psychological profile. This behavior can be linked to various factors including emotional regulation difficulties, environmental influences, and possible neurological underpinnings that contribute to their aggressive tendencies. Thus, the absence of remorse plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of aggressive behavior in children, as it can affect their relationships, social interactions, and overall development. In contrast, while the other options may be relevant to aggression or behavioral issues in children, they do not encapsulate the core finding of Perry's research regarding the emotional and psychological characteristics of highly aggressive children as effectively as the lack of remorse does.