Associations between the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, alternative model of antisocial personality disorder, psychopathic specifier, and psychopathy-related facets with aggression in a sample of incarcerated males.

Abstract

Using the Personality Inventory for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), this study examined whether the Section III Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, alternative model antisocial personality disorder, psychopathic specifier, and three additional conceptually relevant psychopathy-related facets (Grandiosity, Perseveration, and Restricted Affectivity) were associated with aggression in a sample of 208 incarcerated males. Regression and commonality analyses revealed complex facet interrelationships, whereby common effects among the personality facets accounted for a comparatively greater or equal amount of variance in aggression history than facet unique effects. In particular, a nexus of antisocial personality disorder traits (Hostility, Risk Taking, and Callousness) emerged as the most influential facets within the model. In summary, the present study highlights that the personality drivers underlying aggression history were best characterized as trait overlap rather than trait independent. The complexity of these relationships suggests more research is required to reduce facet cross-loadings and maximize discriminant validity of the Personality Inventory for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Further, within clinical settings (a) the development of practical interpretive guides should be considered a high priority to assist clinicians working with aggressive offenders with complex maladaptive personality presentations, and (b) rehabilitation programs should prioritize trait hostility, callousness and risk taking, and emotional management as primary treatment targets to reduce aggression propensity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).