Psychopathy, passive-avoidance learning and basic dimensions of personality

Abstract

This study examined the relations between basic dimensions of personality and passive-avoidance learning (PAL) deficit in psychopathic and nonpsychopathic criminals. Subjects were 79 male, medium-security federal prison inmates. PAL was measured using a computer game, and degree of psychopathy was assessed by the Psychopathy Checklist. Each subject also completed personality questionnaires. The relationship between PAL and psychopathy was only significant for White subjects. The personality measure that showed the most consistent relationship with psychopathy was Impulsive Sensation Seeking (ImpSS), but the relationship was only significant for Whites, and not for Blacks and Hispanics. The inconsistent findings between ethnic groups was discussed in terms of a limited understanding of ethnic differences in the field of personality and psychopathology. Among the personality traits, only ImpSS significantly predicted passive-avoidance learning errors. The relationships between ImpSS and both psychopathy and passive-avoidance learning are discussed in terms of Zuckerman's ( Psychobiology of Personality, 1991) psychobiological theory of personality.