Psychopathy Checklist Research Articles

Hypothalamic subunit volumes and relations to violence and psychopathy in male offenders with or without a psychotic disorder.

The hypothalamus is key to body homeostasis, including regulating cortisol, testosterone, vasopressin, and oxytocin hormones, modulating aggressive behavior. Animal studies have linked the morphology and function of the hypothalamus to aggression and affiliation, with a subregional pattern reflecting the functional division between the hypothalamic nuclei. We explored the relationship between hypothalamic subunit volumes in violent offenders with (PSY-V) and without (NPV) a psychotic disorder, and the association with psychopathy traits. 3T MRI scans (n = 628, all male 18-70years) were obtained from PSY-V, n = 38, NPV, n = 20, non-violent psychosis patients (PSY-NV), n = 134, and healthy controls (HC), n = 436. The total hypothalamus volume and its elevennuclei were delineated into five subunits using Freesurfer v7.3. Psychopathy traits were assessed with Psychopathy Checklist-revised (PCL-R). ANCOVAs and linear regressions were used to analyze associations with subunit volumes. Both groups with a history of violence exhibited smaller anterior-superior subunit volumes than HC (NPV Cohen's d = 0.56, p = 0.01 and PSY-V d = 0.38, p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between HC and PSY-NV. PCL-R scores were positively associated with the inferior tubular subunit on a trend level (uncorrected p = 0.045, Cohen's d = 0.04). We found distinct hypothalamic subunit volume reductions in persons with a history of violence independent of concomitant psychotic disorder but not in persons with psychosis alone. The results provide further information about the involvement of the hypothalamus in aggression, which ultimately may lead to the development of targeted treatment for the clinical and societal challenge of aggression and violent behavior.

The role of self-criticism and self-compassion in the development of PTSD among midwives

ObjectiveHealthcare providers might develop emotional distress following direct and indirect exposure to traumatic events. Evidence shows that midwives, who care for women in complicated situations, are often exposed to circumstances that have a potential to lead to a variety of psychological reactions, including symptoms identified with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nevertheless, the positive-healthy context in which childbirth is mainly perceived raises questions regarding the protective role of personality traits, which are related to processing methods of stress and pain, in the development of PTSD among this unique population. This study aimed to explore the associations between traits such as self-compassion, self-criticism, resilience, cognitive thinking, and pain catastrophizing and PTSD symptoms among Israeli midwives. SettingUsing a quantitative cross-sectional study,123 midwives from ten hospitals in Israel anonymously reported their characteristics and severity of stress and/or PTSD symptoms by filling out the Psychopathy Checklist questionnaire. Analysis of personality traits was performed via the following questionnaires: Self-Compassion Scale - Short Form, Depressive Experiences Questionnaire - Self Criticism, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Additionally, we measured the level of catastrophizing pain by employing the Pain Catastrophizing Scale questionnaire. FindingsMost of the midwives reported existing post-trauma symptoms, among them 11.38% had been diagnosed with PTSD. Severity of the PTSD correlated with their self-criticism and the pain catastrophizing rates. Additional examination of the involvement of personality traits showed that midwives with high self-criticism, low mental resilience, besides a high rate of pain catastrophizing, were more vulnerable to developing PTSD. ConclusionsThe findings can help to refine the understanding regarding the involvement of midwives' personality characteristics in the process of PTSD onset. Vulnerable midwives have been identified as those at risk to develop PTSD symptoms. Implications for practiceThe clinical significance of these insights is to promote the ability to identify midwives who are at risk to develop PTSD. Furthermore, this information might help to produce training programs and a support network to empower self-compassion and mental resilience, and to minimize self-criticism in order establish a support network, which would help to deal with the difficult experiences they face at work.

Examining the Association between Psychopathic Traits and Fearlessness among Maximum-Security Incarcerated Male Adolescents.

Studies have reported positive associations between youth psychopathy scores and measures of 'fearlessness'. However, prior studies modified fearlessness items to be age appropriate, shifting from assessing hypothetical, extreme forms of physical risk-taking (e.g., flying an airplane) to normative risk-taking (e.g., riding bicycles downhill). We hypothesize that associations between youth psychopathy scores and alternative forms of sensation seeking (i.e., Disinhibition) have been conflated under a false fearlessness label. We tested this hypothesis among incarcerated male adolescents, investigating whether youth psychopathy scores were significantly associated with two different forms of sensation seeking: Disinhibition and Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS). Youth psychopathic traits were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD), Child Psychopathy Scale (CPS), Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits (ICU), and Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI). Disinhibition and fearlessness (i.e., TAS) were assessed using an unmodified version of the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scales (SSS). Consistent with hypotheses, youth psychopathy scores were associated with higher Disinhibition and lower TAS scores. Our results contribute to a growing body of literature suggesting that psychopathic traits, including among adolescents, are not concomitant with physical risk-taking and descriptions of psychopathy including fearlessness distort a precise understanding of psychopathy's core features.

Assessment of psychopathy among justice-involved adult males with low versus average intelligence: Differential links to violent offending.

Psychopathic personality is a multidimensional construct (De Brito et al., 2021) and the dimensions have differential associations with general and violent offending. Impairment in cognitive functioning, particularly intelligence (IQ), is another construct linked to both general and violent offending. However, the evidence is mixed on whether the combination of elevated psychopathy and low IQ increases the risk for violent offending (Hampton et al., 2014; Heilbrun, 1982; Walsh et al., 2004). Also, before this interaction can be firmly established, assessment of whether psychopathic traits are equivalent among individuals with different levels of IQ, especially those in the justice system, is needed. Using multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA), this study of justice-involved adult males tested whether Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 2003) item parameters were invariant among those with low (< 85) versus average IQ (≥ 85). In addition, moderated nonlinear factor analysis was conducted using continuous IQ scores to test for its effect on a range of model parameters. Both approaches provided evidence of measurement invariance. Adding criminal offenses to the MG-CFA revealed differential associations of the psychopathy dimensions with violent offending. Finally, analysis of variance results suggested an interaction between psychopathy status and IQ level-that is, those meeting diagnostic criterion for psychopathy with low IQ had the highest number of violent offenses. This study provides evidence of measurement invariance for the PCL-R among justice-involved persons with varying levels IQ and helps to extend research on the dynamic associations between psychopathy, IQ, and violent behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Criminal Lifestyle Among Women Who Committed Crimes: The Role of Psychopathy

ABSTRACT Research on women who committed crimes has not followed the same developments of males who committed crimes. The study of psychopathy and criminal lifestyle in female populations is one of the main gaps. This study aimed to better understand the construct of psychopathy among women who committed crimes, analyzing its relationship with criminal lifestyle. Sixty-three incarcerated women convicted of different crimes participated in this study. Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and Lifestyle Criminality Screening Form-Revised (LSCF-R) were filled in. Females showed low scores on the total psychopathy score. The interpersonal and lifestyle facets were the highest scored, while the antisocial was the lowest scored. Positive correlations between criminal lifestyle and total psychopathy and lifestyle and antisocial facets were found. After controlling for age and criminal variables, total psychopathy and the lifestyle facet emerge as variables associated with a criminal lifestyle. These results are particularly relevant for the design of prevention and intervention policies in female offenses and for risk assessments.

Validating latent profiles of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised with a large sample of incarcerated men.

There is a long tradition of theory and research on putative variants of psychopathic and other antisocial clinical presentations. However, using different samples, psychopathy measures, terminologies, and analytic methods makes interpretation of the findings difficult. Emerging research suggests that the validated four-factor model of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) provides a consistent and empirically robust framework for identifying psychopathic variants and antisocial subtypes (Hare et al., 2018; Neumann et al., 2016). The current study employed latent profile analysis (LPA) of the full range of PCL-R scores in a large sample of incarcerated men (N = 2,570) to replicate and extend recent LPA research on PCL-R-based latent classes. Consistent with previous research, a four-class solution emerged as optimal, with the following antisocial subtypes: Prototypic Psychopathic (C1), Callous-Conning (C2), Externalizing (C3), and General Offender (C4). We validated the subtypes by examining their differential associations with theoretically meaningful external correlates: Child conduct disorder symptoms; adult nonviolent and violent offenses; Self-Report Psychopathy; Psychopathic Personality Inventory; Symptom Checklist-90 Revised; and behavioral activation system and behavioral inhibition system scores. The discussion focused on conceptions of the PCL-R-based subgroups and their potential application to risk assessment and treatment/management programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

How do people with antisocial personality disorder with or without psychopathic personality disorder activate and regulate emotions? Neurovegetative responses during an autobiographical task

People with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD-nonPPD) are described as insensitive to others and as relentlessly pursuing their goals. A severe form of antisociality is observed in psychopathic personality disorder (ASPD-PPD). In the spectrum of emotional reactivity, people with ASPD-nonPPD present more emotional dysregulation, whereas people with ASPD-PPD exhibit a reduced or nonexistent emotional response. To personally engage people with ASPD-nonPPD and ASPD-PPD, we used emotionally charged autobiographical stimuli, specifically their self-defining memories (SDMs). As these participants exhibit high control over voluntary responses, we measured neurophysiological indicators (heart rate variability (HRV) and electrodermal activity (EDA)). In the resting task and the SDM task, people with ASPD-PPD had significantly higher HRV, suggesting higher emotion regulation abilities. Conversely, the EDA of people with ASPD-nonPPD and ASPD-PPD reflects less activation during the SDM task than when resting. We suggest that people with ASPD-PPD are more adaptive to stimuli that provide less emotional activation. Furthermore, the correlation analysis results suggested that the higher people with ASPD-PPD score on Factor 1 of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), the less emotional activation they exhibit. This low activation (EDA) associated with good emotion regulation abilities (HRV) is thought to be the signature of psychopathy.

The relation between psychopathy factors and emotional states prior and during criminal behaviour in a Dutch sample

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the predictive value of psychopathy features on crime-related emotional states in forensic male patients with offence histories who were mandated to Dutch clinical care.Design/methodology/approachThe study had a retrospective design in which psychopathy features were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised. For each patient, information on the events leading up to the crime and a description of the crime itself were extracted from the hospital record to assess emotional states. These crime-related emotional states were assessed using the mode observation scale. The sample consisted of 175 patients with offence histories.FindingsMultiple regression analyses indicated that affective features of psychopathy were a negative predictor for feelings of vulnerability in the events leading up to the crime but not predictive of loneliness. The interpersonal features were predictive of deceit during criminal behaviour.Practical implicationsThis study leads to a better, more nuanced and substantiated understanding of which emotional states play a prominent role in criminal behaviour and how these states are affected by psychopathic traits. This knowledge can influence existing treatment programmes for patients with offence histories.Originality/valueSeveral studies have examined the relationship between emotional states and criminal behaviour and between psychopathy and emotions, but less is known about the predictive relationship between psychopathy features and crime-scene-related emotional states.

Twenty years in the making: Revisiting Laub and Sampson's version of life-course criminology

PurposeUsing data on participants born around 100 years ago, Laub and Sampson asserted that early developmental risk factors are not informative of social outcomes in adulthood. More specifically, they claimed that early risk factors were not informative of adulthood informal social control, persistent offending, and the degree to which informal social control protects against later offending. We offer a contemporary comparison point to these claims that carry theoretical implications for developmental and life-course criminology. MethodsThe current study used prospective longitudinal data on 518 male and female participants from the Incarcerated Serious and Violent Young Offender Study. Early developmental risk for persistent offending was measured via the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV). Informal social control was measured in emerging adulthood via the Community Risk Needs Assessment (CRNA). Offending trajectories were measured for an average of 15 years following participants' CRNA ratings. ResultsPCL:YV scores were negatively associated with informal social control (selection effects), positively associated with persistent offending, and negatively related to lower rates of offending, even when informal social control was high (treatment effect heterogeneity). ConclusionsFindings align with Elder's conceptualization of life-course theory that acknowledges the potential for individual, social, and macro-level factors to shape human development.

“Perrotta-Marciano questionnaire on the grade of awareness of one’s deviant and criminal behaviors” (ADCB-Q-2) and the “Criminal Spectre”: Development, Updates, Regulation, and Validation of a new psychometric instrument

Introduction: Absent in the literature is the category of “criminal spectre” as a macro container that includes all those deviant, antisocial, and psychopathic behaviors, thereby generating confusion and interpretative distortions, as in the case of antisociality and psychopathy among them considered in some cases as synonyms. Methods: Updated the Perrotta-Marciano Questionnaire on the state of awareness of one’s deviant and criminal behaviors (ADCB-Q), from 30 items to 40 items and with 2 subscales to differentiate deviant from antisocial behaviors (ADCB-Q-2), to make comparisons with the Deviant Behavior Variety Scale (DBVS) and the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). Results: Statistical analysis showed that the second edition of the test has a well-defined and stable construct (R = 0.999; p ≤ 0.001), and is positively correlated with the other 2 compared tests, the DBVS (R = 0.943) and the PCL-R (R = 0.966). A comparison of comparable items returned an R = 0.999 with a 99.9% equal value. Conclusion: Defining the “criminal spectre” as a dysfunctional pattern consisting of a clinically relevant cross-cutting condition in which the subject manifests deviant, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, antisocial, and psychopathic behaviors, the Perrotta-Marciano Questionnaire on the State of Awareness of One’s Deviant and Criminal Behaviors (ADCB-Q-2) is a valid, efficient, effective and stable psychometric tool to identify in behavioral profiles all the behaviors that fall within the “criminal spectrum”.

Psychopathic traits and altered resting-state functional connectivity in incarcerated adolescent girls.

Previous work in incarcerated boys and adult men and women suggest that individuals scoring high on psychopathic traits show altered resting-state limbic/paralimbic, and default mode functional network properties. However, it is unclear whether similar results extend to high-risk adolescent girls with elevated psychopathic traits. This study examined whether psychopathic traits [assessed via the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV)] were associated with altered inter-network connectivity, intra-network connectivity (i.e., functional coherence within a network), and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) across resting-state networks among high-risk incarcerated adolescent girls (n = 40). Resting-state networks were identified by applying group independent component analysis (ICA) to resting-state fMRI scans, and a priori regions of interest included limbic, paralimbic, and default mode network components. We tested the association of psychopathic traits (PCL:YV Factor 1 measuring affective/interpersonal traits and PCL:YV Factor 2 assessing antisocial/lifestyle traits) to these three resting-state measures. PCL:YV Factor 1 scores were associated with increased low-frequency and decreased high-frequency fluctuations in components corresponding to the default mode network, as well as increased intra-network FNC in components corresponding to cognitive control networks. PCL:YV Factor 2 scores were associated with increased low-frequency fluctuations in sensorimotor networks and decreased high-frequency fluctuations in default mode, sensorimotor, and visual networks. Consistent with previous analyses in incarcerated adult women, our results suggest that psychopathic traits among incarcerated adolescent girls are associated with altered intra-network ALFFs-primarily that of increased low-frequency and decreased high-frequency fluctuations-and connectivity across multiple networks including paralimbic regions. These results suggest stable neurobiological correlates of psychopathic traits among women across development.

Between psychopathy and deviant socialization: A close look at the mafia men

The Italian mafia organizations represent a subculture with values, beliefs and goals that are antithetical to and undermining of the predominant society. The conduct of individual members includes such extreme violence for material gain, it may at least superficially suggest a severe personality disorder. Since the first edition of the DSM and into the 21st century, various terms have been used, sometimes interchangeably, but over time inconsistently, to designate the mentality and practices of mafia members. Only recently has the psychology of mafia members become a focus of serious scientific study. Following broader national multicenter research, the present study aimed at investigating the possible differences in psychopathy between those mafia associates who had been convicted only of mafia association (Group A, bosses), and those who were also convicted of violent crimes (Group B, soldiers). The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) was administered to n = 48 male inmates convicted of mafia association (Mage 45.0 years, SD 10.9, range 20–80 years); Group A consisted of n = 26 (54%) subjects, Group B n = 22 (46%). Most of the sample (73%) did not manifest psychopathy (PCL-R ≥ 25) nor Mann-Whitney U test disclosed significant differences in the total PCL-R scores between the study groups. We found significantly higher scores of PCR-R factor 1 (interpersonal / affective) in the members of the mafia association also convicted of violent crimes (PCL-R F1, group A: 5.8 ± 3.7; group B: 7.9 ± 3.5; p < 0.05), this difference appeared explainable on the basis of a higher component of affective psychopathy. These initial results add to the limited literature on mafia and psychopathy and seem to suggest the existence of a specific component of psychopathy in the subgroup of mafiosi with overtly violent conduct.

Psychopathy and substance use predict recidivism in women: A 7-year prospective study.

Recidivism places a significant burden on society and efforts aimed at reducing cyclical criminal justice involvement are needed. This prospective study tested the utility of psychopathic traits in predicting general, felony, and substance-related rearrest in women following release from a correctional facility. The extent to which psychopathic traits offered incremental utility in predicting outcomes, above and beyond other established risk factors, including substance use disorder, was examined. Participants included 327 incarcerated adult women who completed comprehensive clinical and psychiatric assessments prior to release from correctional facilities. Psychopathic traits and lifetime substance use disorder were measured using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders, respectively. Results showed that general, felony, and substance-related rearrest following institutional release were associated with higher PCL-R Factor 2 scores, assessing lifestyle/behavioral and antisocial/developmental psychopathic traits. Additionally, when controlling for other risk factors associated with recidivism, including age at release, number of prior adult prison terms, and substance use disorder, higher PCL-R Factor 2 scores remained significantly associated with rearrest outcomes in women. Findings inform risk prediction and treatment efforts aimed at reducing recidivism in justice-involved women. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Discriminant analysis of high-risk recidivism in criminal offenders based on psychopathological factors from MMPI-2-RF profiles

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to identify the critical factors discriminating individuals at high risk for recidivism among criminal offenders based on psychopathological characteristics. Data was collected from 182 violent offenders using psychological testing from prosecutors’ offices nationwide in Korea between 2017 and 2022. The offenders were divided into two groups based on the Korean Offender Recidivism Assessment System Scale-General (KORAS-G) and the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), which are two major risk assessments in the Korean criminal justice system. Multiple comparisons were performed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2nd edition Restructured Form (MMPI−2-RF), and discriminant function analysis was used to identify the scales with discriminative power and hierarchical structure of relative contribution for the two risk recidivism assessments. This study highlights the utility of MMPI−2-RF in comprehensive assessments for decision-making in sentencing and judgment in the legal system. We discussed violent recidivism in the context of externalizing dysfunction, vulnerabilities in interpersonal relationships, pathological history of misconduct/antisociality and risk-taking motivation. This study calls for attention to the domestic situation of risk assessment and suggests future directions in recidivism prediction with the practical utility of MMPI−2-RF.

"I ate one of their famous secret agents for breakfast": Psychopathy in Ian Fleming's James Bond Villains

The psychological construct of psychopathy describes individuals without a conscience who, like Bond villains, knowingly harm others via manipulation, intimidation, and violence, but feel no remorse. The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) assesses the clinical picture of psychopathy along two factors: Emotional Detachment (e.g., superficial charm, manipulativeness, shallow affectivity, absence of guilt or empathy) and Antisocial Behavior (e.g., deviance from an early age, aggression, impulsivity, irresponsibility, proneness to boredom). There is ample evidence of psychopathic traits in the characters of the villains, as portrayed in Ian Fleming’s Bond novels. The villains’ psychopathic traits cut across both PCL-R factors and the Bond-villain (Good-Evil) dichotomy, in all its declinations, could be functional to Fleming’s narrative scheme. According to Umberto Eco’s classic structuralist approach to Fleming’s novels, the oppositional relationship between Bond and the villain is one of the key dimensions that shape the narrative plot. A revised interpretation of Eco’s analysis according to the juxtaposition of psychological and psychopathic traits helps explain Bond’s character more fully. In the light of these considerations, literary portrayals such as Fleming’s vivid depictions of Bond villains could complement clinical evaluations of psychopathy.

Comparing psychopathy across measurement modalities.

Psychopathy is a collection of personality traits and behaviors that are associated with costly personal, interpersonal, and societal outcomes. The nature of this construct has been widely debated across decades of literature, and such debates have produced a multitude of instruments for the measurement of psychopathy. These measures include self-reports and clinical interviews, yet little work has examined the degree to which measurements of psychopathy may differ across these modalities and whether such potential differences may impact the associations commonly found with psychopathy (e.g., impulsivity). To this end, we applied psychometric network and item response theory analyses to data obtained from the interview-based Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version and the Levenson Self-Report of Psychopathy in the same sample. Our results revealed similarities and differences across measurement modalities. Regarding the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version, Factor 2 items were more important to the psychopathy construct (i.e., the most central and contributed more information than Factor 1 items), whereas Factor 1 items were more important to the Levenson Self-Report of Psychopathy. Factor 1 items were positively linked with Positive Urgency and were either negatively associated or not associated with Negative Urgency. In contrast, Factor 2 items were positively linked with Negative Urgency in both networks. Our analyses also revealed that dishonesty and irresponsibility served as the primary bridges connecting the factors of psychopathy in both networks. We make suggestions for improving the assessment of psychopathy by implementing self-report and interview measures that allow scores to be compared directly. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The four facets of the Psychopathy Checklist, Youth Version and recidivism: A meta-analysis

The four facets of the Psychopathy Checklist, Youth Version and recidivism: A meta-analysis

The Risk, Need, and Responsivity Relevance of Working Alliance in a Sexual Offense Treatment Program: Its Intersection With Psychopathy, Diversity, and Treatment Change.

The current study examined the self-reported working alliance of men attending a high intensity sexual offense treatment program and its associations with psychopathy, sexual violence risk, treatment change, and recidivism, in a Canadian sample of 317 incarcerated men followed up an average of approximately 10 years post release. Working Alliance Inventory (WAI; Horvath & Greenberg, 1989) self-reported total, Task, Bond, and Goal scores were positively correlated with treatment related changes in risk, and inversely associated with Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 1991; Wang & Hare, 2003) scores. The Affective facet of the PCL-R, representing the callous-unemotional features of the syndrome, uniquely predicted lower Bond and Goal scores controlling for the other facets. Cox regression survival analyses demonstrated that sexual violence risk predicted increased sexual recidivism while change predicted decreased sexual recidivism controlling for PCL-R total score; however, WAI scores (particularly the Goal component) were also unexpectedly associated with increased sexual recidivism. For violent recidivism, psychopathy, risk, and change incremented the prediction of general violence, while the WAI was not significantly associated with this outcome. A set of parallel analyses, stratified by Indigenous ethnocultural heritage, demonstrated some continuity, but also potential areas of difference, in substantive findings. Risk, need, responsivity implications of the working alliance for the treatment of high psychopathy correctional clientele, and how this may intersect with Indigenous heritage, are discussed.

Determinants of clinical outcome and length of stay in acute care forensic psychiatry units

Criminological and sociodemographic variables, such as previous criminal convictions, increased risk of violence, early onset of mental disorder, antisocial personality, psychosis and low social support, have all been related to longer length of stay (LoS) and poorer outcome in long stay forensic services. The factors impacting on LoS and clinical response in acute care specialized units are poorly documented. To address this issue, we examined the psychiatric records of all cases admitted between January 1st and December 31th 2020 in the sole acute ward for detained persons located in the central prison of the Geneva County, Switzerland. Information on judicial status included pre-trial versus sentence execution, previous incarcerations, and age of the first incarceration. Sociodemographic data included age, gender, marital status, and education attainment. Previous inpatient stays prior to incarceration were recorded. All of the ICD-10 clinical diagnoses were made by two independent, board-certified psychiatrists blind to the scope of the study. The standardized assessment was based on the HoNOS (Health of Nation Outcome Scales) at admission and discharge, HONOS-secure at admission, HCR-20 (Historical Clinical Risk 20) version 2, PCL-R (Psychopathy Checklist Revised), and SAPROF (Structured Assessment of Protective Factors). Stepwise forward multiple linear regression models predicting the LoS and delta HONOS respectively were built with the above mentioned parameters. The selected variables were then used in univariate and multivariable regression models. Higher HCR-scores (mainly on clinical items), and longer LoS were related to higher delta HONOS scores. In contrast, cases in pre-trial detention showed a worst clinical outcome. In multivariable models, all three variables remained independent predictors of the clinical outcome and explained 30.7% of its variance. Only education and diagnosis of borderline personality were related to the LoS and explained 12.6% of its variance in multivariable models. Our results suggest that the use of acute wards specialized in forensic psychiatry are mainly useful for patients with prior inpatient care experience, and higher violence risk during sentence execution. In contrast, they seem to be less performant for persons in pre-trial detention that could benefit from less restrictive clinical settings.

Trauma, Psychopathic Traits, and Resilience in Female Post-Prison Reentry Outcomes

A growing body of research has examined female psychopathy, yet gaps remain. Recent research has explored links between early trauma, psychopathic traits, and behavioral outcomes. Utilizing data collected as part of the evaluation of the Seattle Women’s Reentry (SWR) Initiative, this study investigates the relationship between early trauma and psychopathic traits in female post-prison reentry outcomes. The role of psychopathic traits as a protective resilience factor that moderates early trauma for women leaving prison and reentering the community is explored. Background information, survey data, and Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) scores are analyzed in relation to recidivism three-years post release for 85 women released from the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) in Washington State. Results indicated that the majority of the women in the study have early trauma backgrounds, PCL-R scores predict recidivism while trauma did not, and PCL-R scores did not moderate the relationship between trauma and recidivism. Results also found that PCL-R scores were associated with higher levels of self-esteem. Findings are consistent with prior research showing a link between psychopathic traits and recidivism but do not offer support for psychopathic traits as a moderating resilience protective factor between trauma and recidivism.