Psychopathic personality and criminal violence across the life-course in a prospective longitudinal study: Does psychopathic personality predict violence when controlling for other risk factors?

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the current study is to investigate to what extent, and when, psychopathic personality is predictive of violent convictions. MethodsBy analyzing data from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development, the relationships between psychopathic personality, childhood risk factors, and violent convictions were investigated prospectively. Psychopathic personality was measured at ages 8–10, 12–14, and 48. A wide range of childhood risk factors (e.g. convicted father, parental discipline, and socioeconomic status) were measured at age 8–10. Violent convictions were available from ages 10 to 61. In addition, specific offenses (robbery, assault, weapons offenses, and threatening behavior) were studied in the analyses. ResultsPsychopathic personality was predictive of violent offending across the life-course. After controlling for childhood risk factors, psychopathic personality was still a significant predictor of violent convictions. ConclusionsPsychopathic personality is predictive of violent convictions across the life-course, even after controlling for important childhood risk factors. Suggestions for future research are discussed.