The network structure of psychopathic personality traits in a non-institutionalized sample

Abstract

Central and peripheral traits of psychopathy remain highly debated and the contribution of positive adjustments in the psychopathy network is unclear. Indeed, the structure of psychopathic personality traits could vary across populations and settings. Using network analysis, we estimated a model based on the 18 Elemental Psychopathy Assessment facets in a large college student sample (N = 2291). We then examined the accuracy and stability of the network, and finally performed bootstrapped difference tests to determine central and peripheral traits involved in our model. Centrality indices were highly stable and emphasized the major contribution of Callousness, Dominance and Unconcern facets in the psychopathy network. Conversely, Thrill-seeking, Impersistence and Distrust facets were more peripheral in the network. Our results support that callousness is a reliable indicator of psychopathy regardless of the sample characteristics, and that some positive adjustments (i.e., boldness) could be useful to index psychopathy in non-incarcerated samples. Future research should investigate the network structure of psychopathic traits across different settings.