Psychopathic Features Research Articles

Psychopatic Traits in Interpersonal Relation

The subject of interest in the presented text is the possible relationship between a number of personality traits of the individual and its functioning in social relation. Dealing with the psychopathic features of personality and their importance in social relations, the authors pay attention to psychopathy, as well as narcissistic features and Machiavellianism in individual’s activity. These three traits since the beginning of the 21st century have aroused vivid interest of researchers and therapists attempting empirical verification of hypotheses in this area. It is also worth indicating. The above-mentioned categories of behavior form the dark triad of personality. Researchers draw our attention to clinical interpretations regarding diagnostic criteria enabling the recognition of psychopathic features and the broader dark triad. This sometimes carry on to referring to the concept of sub-clinical psychopathy that does not meet the diagnostic criteria used in the classification of mental disorders. The authors also try to interpret the negative role of these features in social relations.

SEXUAL SADISM DISORDER AS A FORM OF PSYCHOPATHIC PERSONALITY ON THE MAIN CHARACTER IN THE NOVEL FIFTY SHADES DARKER BY E.L. JAMES

Abstract This research discusses sexual sadism disorder as the form of the main character’s psychopathicpersonality in the novelFifty Shades Darker by E.L. James. The purpose of this research is to denote the characteristics of psychopath and to analyze the process and the cause that lead the main character to behave psychopathically. The research is conducted by means of descriptive analysis method. The result of this research shows that the main character has a psychopathic personality disorder in the form of sexual sadism disorder based on behaviors that denotes psychopathic characteristics, such as charm, egocentric, lack of remorse, lack of empathy, deceitful and manipulative, shallow emotions, impulsive, poor behavior controls, need for excitement, lack of responsibility, early behavior problems, adult antisocial behavior. The psychological trauma in his childhood and the experience of sexual intercourse with Elena in the past of the main character is the process and the cause in the formation of the main character’s sexual sadism disorder. Keyword: fifty shades darker, psychopathy, sexual sadism

HR specialists’ perceptions of the desirability of psychopathic traits in job candidates

Abstract The study of psychopathy in organizational settings is still in its incipient stage, but scholars have already proven that the prevalence of psychopathic features in the corporate environment, especially in senior positions, is higher than in the general population (3% compared with 1% in general population) and that employees with psychopathic tendencies have a negative impact on the sustainability of organizations. It has been argued that human resources specialists have to become astute at identifying employees with psychopathic features in order to be able to manage their careers in a way that would not affect the organization’s wellbeing. However, research has also proved that there are several psychopathic traits which make job candidates likelier to obtain a job, due to the positive impression that they create during the job interview. The study tested the desirability of psychopathic traits in job candidates from the perspective of human resources specialists and, based on a survey of a sample of 68 Romanian human resources specialists, found that candidates displaying an ability to remain calm under pressure, self-confidence and persuasiveness are more likely to be hired. Moreover, the study concluded that Romanian human resources professionals are somewhat aware of the threat posed by psychopathic employees and that most of the employers they represent use selection methods able to filter out potential psychopaths. The findings open up new avenues of research on the ways in which selection strategies can be employed in order to enable human resources specialists to effectively identify candidates with psychopathic tendencies.

Is Female Psychopathy Linked with Child Abuse? An Empirical Investigation using a Person-Centered Approach

ABSTRACTChildhood abuse is associated with increased psychopathic features among girls, but most prior research is based on data from correctional samples of female delinquents and less is known about how specific forms of childhood abuse affect specific features of psychopathy. Using a school-based community sample of 696 girls aged 9–17 years from Barbados and Grenada, the current study examined latent profiles of psychopathic personality traits and their associations with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Latent profile analysis (LPA) revealed four distinct psychopathy groups among girls, including a ‘low psychopathy’ group (41.9% of girls), ‘high psychopathy’ group (4.8%), ‘high interpersonal manipulation and egocentricity’ group (37.4%), and a ‘moderate psychopathy’ group (16%). There was considerable evidence of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse among participants. Sexual abuse was associated with a 116% increased likelihood of membership in the high psychopathy group and a 57% increased likelihood of membership in the high interpersonal manipulation and egocentricity group. These results indicate that sexual abuse is a powerful distal factor in the development of psychopathic personality functioning, especially more severe variants.

Rape myth acceptance, male gender role norms, attitudes towards women, and psychopathic traits in a military sample

Rape myth acceptance (RMA) demonstrates association with psychopathic traits, traditional gender role norms, and negative attitudes towards women. However, these RMA correlates have rarely been studied in combination, or examined within military populations. The present study investigated RMA, psychopathic traits, attitudes towards women, and male gender role norms using a convenience sample of 85 active and veteran military personnel recruited through social media. As hypothesized, males and females with in the military did not differ in level of RMA. Results revealed significant associations between the Affective and Interpersonal facets of psychopathy and RMA. Hierarchical linear regression models indicated that traditional male norm ideology and Interpersonal psychopathic features significantly predicted RMA. Affective features to also trended in the prediction of RMA. Results suggest that Affective and Interpersonal traits of psychopathy are salient in account for RMA in a military sample.

Structural equation modeling of psychopathic traits in Chilean female offenders using the Self-Report Psychopathy-Short Form (SRP-SF) Scale: a comparison of gender-based item modifications versus standard items.

Objective:To examine the utility of the Self-Report Psychopathy-Short Form (SRP-SF) to assess psychopathic traits in female offenders and to test gender-based item modifications.Method:A South American sample of female offenders (n=210) was assessed with the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R); 110 subjects also completed the standard SRP-SF, while 109 completed a version with items rewritten to be more relevant for females. The underlying latent structure of the PCL-R and both versions of the SRP-SF were examined.Results:Most of the modified items showed higher average item responses. The PCL-R showed a stronger association with the modified SRP-SF than with the standard SRP-SF. The four-factor model showed very good fit in accounting for the PCL-R data, consistent with previous research. For both SRP-SF versions, the results indicated good model fit. Structural equation models were tested separately, in which a superordinate SRP-SF factor was set to predict a broad factor reflecting chronic misconduct. Both versions showed good model fit, and the SRP-SF superordinate factor significantly predicted a chronic misconduct factor.Conclusions:Both versions of the SRP-SF adequately reflected psychopathic features in this female sample; the modified items added robustness to representation of these features.

A Psychopathic Analysis of Death Incidents Occurred in a Military Base in Korea: Implications for Prevention

이 연구의 목적은 군 내 사망사건을 사이코패스 특징과 연계 분석하여 병영 내에서 사이코패스들이 저지르는 범죄피해를 예방하기 위한 방안을 제시하고자 한다. 이를 위해 00사단 임00병장 총기 난사 사건, 00사단 윤00일병 사망사건을 감정⋅대인관계 측면, 행동 양식적 측면에서 사이코패스 성향을 분석하였다. 이 연구결과 예방대책으로는 첫째, 사이코 패스들의 조기식별과 격리를 위한 새로운 인성검사 진단기법이 개발되어야 한다. 둘째, 병영생활 전문상담관, 정신과 전문의 및 간부들에게 개발된 인성검사 진단기법 교육을 통해 사이코패스 식별능력을 길러줘야 한다. 셋째, 수사기관 헌병은 전문프로파일러를 양성하여 사건발생시 원인을 면밀하게 분석하여 국민들이 납득 할 수 있도록 해야 한다.The purpose of this research is to suggest alternatives to prevent a psychopathic crime in a military base by analyzing death incidents occurred in military bases in Korea. Based on the two cases on the “Goseong killing spree incident” and “death incident of Pvt. First Class Yoon”, this research analyzes their psychopathic features with emphasis on emotional, interpersonal, and behavioral perspectives. As the result of the research, some strategies to prevent a psychopathic crime are suggested. First, a new diagnostic test for early identification and isolation of psychopathic patients must be developed. Second, barracks counselors, military surgeons specialized in psychology, military school students, and field executives should have improved capabilities to discern psychopaths through a new method of personality test. Lastly, the military police in the investigation agency should train professional profilers who can accurately investigate a cause of incidents and provide a clear and reasonable explanation to the public.

SU79 - RESILIENCE MARKERS IN FAMILIES OF STRESSED PATIENTS: ReMaFaSt STUDY

ReMaFaSt study is the first Argentinean study aimed to evaluate the biochemical markers of resilience. Resilience is the capacity and dynamic process of adaptively overcoming stress and adversity while maintaining normal psychological and physical functioning. Stressful life events, trauma, and chronic adversity can have a substantial impact on brain function and structure, and can result in the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and other psychiatric disorders. However, most individuals do not develop such illnesses after experiencing stressful life events, and are thus thought to be resilient. The risk of mental illness is defined by the relationship between genetic predisposition and environmental factors after a life stress. Early stress factors are a key for “turning on” diseases. Several resilience or vulnerability (features and state) markers have been identified in patients. Often the patient´s relatives share the traumatic experience. Our patients develop depression or PTSD but often their families do not, despite enduring the same traumatic experience. So why do not relatives develop illness? The aim of the study is to look at missing markers of resilience (genetic and PINE markers) as well as lower environmental vulnerability. Adult first degree healthy relatives of patients were invited to participate in the ReMaFaSt study. All participants gave written informed consent before the procedures and the aim of the study were explained completely. A total of 25 first degree patients relatives. First degree relatives were defined as father, mother, brothers, sisters and children. Inclusion criteria: first degree relatives psychiatrically healthy, aged between 21–70 y/o have undergone the same traumatic experience as our patients with depression or PTSD (DSM V). Exclusion criteria: psychopathic features, severe organic diseases or psychiatric disease. Beck, HAM D, CAPS-5, neurocognitive testing, Trail Mb were used to evaluate the psychiatric condition of the participants. Thus, our aim was to determine genetic variants of 5-HTTLPR among other biochemical tests; metabolic testing (BMI, Glycosylated, hemoglobin, lipids profile, Waist-hip ratio), and PNIE testing –periferical- (cortisol rhythm, FUC, DHEA, Thyroid profile, NK cells, CD4/CD8 ratio). The preliminary results show an increase in l/l variant of 5-HTTLPR among (at least one l allele has been found) first degree relatives of depressive and PTSD patients compared to affected patients. Immunological response, rhythm of cortisol secretion and metabolic determination trend were normal in our sample. This is an ongoing study with a very small sample. However, the normal clinical test and the l/l genotype suggest a protective factor for PTSD and MDD.

Psihopatija potpomaže uspeh u radnom okruženju

Psychopathy may be related to some adaptive outcomes in the workplace environment. This phenomenon is called corporate psychopathy and it is based on the assumption that the corporate environment positively selects for psychopathic features, especially in top management. We tested the hypothesis of positive relations between psychopathy traits and workplace success indicators in the sample of 212 working adults (69% females; Mage=33.55[SD=7.38]). We measured psychopathy using the Psychopathy Personality Traits Scale (analyses were performed on two empirically extracted factors from the items of this scale, labelled as Ruthless manipulation and Lack of empathy). We explored workplace success using four variables: 1) managerial vs. operational position in the company, 2) variation in monthly salary, 3) variation in the received bonus for the previous year's performance, and 4) self-reported success in performing job tasks. Correlation and regression analyses provided very similar results: Ruthless manipulation was more pronounced in individuals who were in managerial positions, and those who received a bonus for their performance; Lack of empathy was positively associated with the bonus and self-reported performance success. Ruthless manipulation had a positive zero-order correlation with monthly salary as well, but it did not have an independent contribution to the prediction of this criterion measure. The study results are congruent with the hypothesis that psychopathy is positively associated with various indicators of success in the workplace context. The findings can be interpreted using the concepts of corporate psychopathy and successful psychopathy in general.

Born this way? A review of neurobiological and environmental evidence for the etiology of psychopathy.

Across a significant body of research, psychopathy has often been conceptualized as a biologically based malady. In this research, genetic and neurobiological differences have been conceptualized to underlie psychopathy, while affected individuals' life experiences only influence expressed psychopathic features and their severity. Psychopathy research has largely ignored developmental evidence demonstrating significant influences of environment on both biological and behavioral processes, resulting in several prominent criticisms (Edens & Vincent, 2008; Loeber, Byrd, & Farrington, 2015). The current review was conducted with two main aims: (a) to collect and consider etiological evidence from the extant body of research on genetic and neurobiological factors in psychopathy; and (b) to evaluate findings from genetic, neurotransmitter, brain structure, and brain function studies in the context of relevant evidence from developmental research. Examples from research on adversity and traumatic stress, a common correlate of psychopathy, were used to highlight current research gaps and future directions to aid in the integration of developmental and neurobiological research agendas. While some promising evidence exists regarding possible underlying neurobiological processes of psychopathic traits, this evidence is insufficient to suggest a largely biological etiology for the disorder. Further, information from developmental and epigenetic research may suggest complex, multidimensional trajectories for individuals experiencing psychopathy. Based on these observations, the authors make several recommendations for future research, as well as for current clinical application and practice.

Risky business: Psychopathy, framing effects, and financial outcomes

Using a risky-choice framing paradigm, we investigated (a) the extent to which psychopathic features shape behavioral responses to potential losses vs. potential gains and (b) how these relations bear on real-world economic decision-making in a community sample (N = 475). Associations among psychopathic features, risk-seeking, sensitivity to framing, and financial practices were also examined. Disinhibition manifested positive relations with risk-seeking and maladaptive financial practices, whereas boldness manifested positive relations with risk-seeking and adaptive financial practices. Individuals high in disinhibition and/or meanness were significantly less likely to endorse risk seeking in negative frames. Results provisionally suggest boundary conditions for framing effects; in particular, certain psychopathic traits may render individuals modestly less susceptible to framing or bias them towards risk-taking in positive frames.

Psychopathy and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Revisited: Results From a Statewide Population of Institutionalized Youth.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for incarcerated youth, and up to half of all juveniles in confinement experience suicidal ideation in addition to other psychopathology, including psychopathic personality features. Unfortunately, limited research has investigated the psychopathy-suicidality link among juvenile delinquents and using newer psychopathy measures. Based upon a statewide population of incarcerated juvenile offenders, we found that psychopathy was a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation and lifetime suicide attempts, but the latter relationship was attenuated by lifetime depression diagnosis. In addition, certain affective psychopathic features such as Stress Immunity conferred protection against suicidality, whereas behavioral and lifestyle components including Carefree Nonplanfulness, Blame Externalization, and Rebellious Nonconformity were positively linked to suicidal thoughts among the youth offenders. As these risk factors are routinely screened for in juvenile justice settings, this study's findings have considerable implications to applied practice and prevention among juvenile justice involved youth.

The developmental course of psychopathic features: Investigating stability, change, and long-term outcomes

This multi-cohort study delineates developmental trajectories of psychopathic features across childhood and adolescence (ages 7–16) and investigates associations with adult outcomes (ages ∼ 23–34). Although most youth demonstrated consistently low levels of psychopathic features, approximately 10–15% followed a chronically high trajectory. A similar number (∼14%) displayed initially high levels that decreased over time, while others (∼10–20%) followed an increasing pattern. Boys in the chronically high trajectory exhibited the most deleterious adult outcomes and some evidence suggested that youth in the decreasing subgroup experienced fewer maladaptive outcomes than those in the increasing and high groups. Findings revealed substantial malleability in the developmental course of psychopathic features and suggest that unique pathways may exert considerable influence on future engagement in antisocial and criminal behaviors.

Malignant Narcissism in Relation to Clinical Change in Borderline Personality Disorder: An Exploratory Study

Background: Normal and pathological narcissism have been the focus of considerable theoretical discussion and empirical research in recent years in personality psychology and psychopathology. Kernberg [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1">1</xref>-<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref4">4</xref>] has argued that there is a particularly dysfunctional and impairing variant of narcissistic disturbance known as malignant narcissism. This exploratory study sought to develop, using established assessment methods, a dimensional measure of malignant narcissism that incorporates the key features of grandiose narcissism, paranoid propensities, psychopathic features, and proclivity for a sadistic and aggressive interpersonal style. Method and Sampling: This study examined 57 subjects, diagnosed with borderline personality disorder that were treated using 3 different empirically supported treatments in a previous study [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref5">5</xref>], for possible deviance on the proposed malignant narcissism index. It also evaluated 2 important clinical domains of change in relation to malignant narcissism. To wit, it was predicted, based on Kernberg’s [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref3">3</xref>, <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref4">4</xref>] clinical model, that elevated levels of malignant narcissism would be significantly associated with slower rates of improvement in both general psychosocial/psychological functioning and anxiety among treated individuals. Results: Higher levels of malignant narcissism were associated, as predicted, with slower rates of improvement in both global functioning and anxiety. The proposed malignant narcissism index was a more powerful predictor of slowed improvement in global functioning than simple narcissistic personality disorder features. Conclusions: The heuristic potential of the malignant narcissism construct is discussed and the utility of a dimensional approach to this construct is explored, especially in reference employing personality traits/processes to better understand pathological configurations and personality disturbance.

Neuroimaging Metrics of Drug and Food Processing in Cocaine-Dependence, as a Function of Psychopathic Traits and Substance Use Severity.

Previous studies suggest that psychopathic traits commonly present as comorbid with substance use disorders. Moreover, neuroimaging and psychometric findings suggest that psychopathic traits may predispose individuals to a sensitized reward response to drugs. Given that substance use disorders are characterized by a neurocognitive bias toward drug-reward relative to non-drug reward, it is possible that heightened psychopathic characteristics may further predispose to this processing bias. To evaluate this possibility, we assessed psychopathic traits (measured using the PCL-R; Hare, 2003) in 105 probationers/parolees and evaluated the relationship between PCL-R scores, lifetime duration of drug use, and biases in neural response to drug- compared to food-related videos. Psychopathic traits (potentially driven by interpersonal/affective traits) were positively correlated with drug > food reactivity within the right insula and left amygdala. In addition, psychopathic traits modulated the relationship between drug use and drug > food reactivity within the left dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, right insula, and left caudate nucleus. Specifically, lifetime duration of drug use correlated positively with drug > food reactivity in participants with lower levels of psychopathic traits and correlated negatively with drug > food reactivity in individuals with higher levels of psychopathic traits. These results help reconcile prior studies on psychopathy and drug-stimulus processing and provide neurocognitive support for the notion that psychopathic traits serve as an underlying risk factor for substance use disorders. These results suggest that different treatment regimens for substance abuse for individuals with higher or lower levels of psychopathy may be beneficial and suggest that reduction of neurocognitive biases to drug-related stimuli may offer useful targets for future treatment protocols.

A Prospective, Longitudinal Examination of the Influence of Childhood Home and School Contexts on Psychopathic Characteristics in Adolescence.

Much of the existing research examining etiological contributors to psychopathic characteristics considers only biological and physiological deficits, with little consideration given to contextual factors that may play a role in their development. This prospective, longitudinal study examined the influence of childhood home and school environments on adolescent psychopathic characteristics among 390 youth (50.5% female; 46.2% Black/African American, 44.9% Hispanic/Latino, 6.9% Asian or Native American/Alaska Native, and 2.1% Non-Hispanic White). Specifically, this study examined (1) the effect of home chaos and poor parental monitoring on adolescent primary and secondary psychopathy and callous-unemotional traits through the lens of multiple reporters, and (2) whether classroom climate quality across three years of childhood moderated these relationships. The results indicated that delinquency and home chaos in childhood were related to primary psychopathy in adolescence and that exposure to higher quality classroom climates across childhood acted as a buffer by mitigating the negative relationship between parental monitoring in childhood and secondary psychopathy in adolescence. These findings have implications for designing interventions to mitigate the manifestation of youth psychopathy.

Psychopathic features across development: Assessing longitudinal invariance among Caucasian and African American youths

ObjectivesPsychopathy is associated with severe forms of antisocial and violent behavior in adults. There is also a rapidly growing body of research focused on extending features of adult psychopathy downward to youth. To date however, the degree to which these features can be consistently and comparatively assessed at these younger ages, remains unclear. This study addresses this issue by investigating measurement invariance of underlying features of psychopathy across childhood and adolescence in a racially diverse sample of youth. MethodsThree cohorts of youth (n = 1517) were assessed annually from childhood to adolescence (ages ∼7–16). Underlying features of psychopathy commonly assessed in youth (e.g. lack of guilt, impulsivity) were examined within a longitudinal bi-factor framework using multi-dimensional item-response theory (IRT) techniques. Differential item functioning was used to assess invariance across development and participant’s race (African-American and Caucasian), using two distinct approaches: (1) traditional item-response theory (IRT) methods; and (2) a recently developed Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM) approach. ResultsPsychopathy features assessed in this study exhibited measurement consistency across development (∼ages 7–16) and were found to tap into the same underlying construct as intended across measurement occasions, and equivalently for African-American and Caucasian youth. Results were similar when assessed using traditional IRT procedures for longitudinal invariance testing and when implementing the more recent BSEM methodology. ConclusionsFindings provide the first evidence that features of psychopathy can be assessed consistently in youth and improve our understanding of important developmental and sociocultural factors associated these features during earlier periods of development.

House of Cards: Psychopathy in Politics

Psychopathy is a severe personality disorder that can be defined by a lack of conscience, an egocentric and manipulative character, and charming social skills. Among the general community, images of serial killer Ted Bundy or movie character Hannibal Lector immediately come to mind. Interestingly, however, the recent TV show House of Cards appears to introduce a different kind of psychopathic personality to the general public through the character of Frank Underwood. This “successful” psychopathic leadership type has also been an important focus of attention among scholars of psychopathy in the last few years. This article uses an analysis of the psychopathic traits of Frank Underwood to present a new model of this psychopathic leader. Through this illustration, it is postulated that the psychopathic leader has a specific profile with a combination of psychopathic and nonpsychopathic features. Because this profile is different from the “traditional” conceptualization of psychopathy, it is more difficult to recognize such a politician as a psychopathic individual. The question of whether a leader with such a profile is successful or a risk will also be addressed.

Psychophysiological Reactivity Profiles of Partner-Violent Men With Borderline or Psychopathic Personality Features: The Role of Empathy.

Borderline and psychopathic features have been linked to unique psychophysiological reactivity profiles. Studies have suggested that levels of psychophysiological reactivity for partner-violent men cannot be attributed to personality features alone. This study tested cognitive and affective empathy as moderators of relations between borderline personality, Factor 1 psychopathy, and psychophysiological reactivity using a community sample of 135 male participants and their female partners. Cognitive empathy moderated the relation between borderline personality features and heart rate reactivity. Affective empathy moderated the relation between Factor 1 psychopathy features and heart rate reactivity. However, directions of these interactions were contrary to original predictions. Understanding unique empathy deficits may be beneficial for identifying ways to minimize relationship conflict, manage arousal, and decrease violence.

Tendências de personalidade psicopática e comportamento antissocial em jovens delinquentes do sexo feminino e masculino

Este estudo visou examinar diferenças em características de personalidade e de comportamento antissocial entre jovens delinquentes institucionalizados do sexo feminino e masculino. Sessenta jovens institucionalizados em razão de condutas delinquentes (30 do sexo feminino) foram avaliados com vista à obtenção de medidas de personalidade antissocial, assim como de disposição para o comportamento delinquente e, ainda, de frequência e diversidade de comportamentos delitivos. Contrariamente ao esperado e ao reportado na literatura, os resultados obtidos não evidenciaram diferenças entre os jovens do sexo feminino e masculino quanto às medidas de personalidade antissocial, nem de disposição para a delinquência, mas foram encontradas diferenças quanto à frequência e à diversidade dos atos delinquentes reportados, que surgem com maior predomínio no sexo masculino em ambos os casos. Apresentam-se possíveis explicações para os resultados obtidos no quadro das limitações do estudo e apontam-se pistas que poderão contribuir para o prosseguimento das investigações, ainda escassas em Portugal, sobre as diferenças entre sexos na delinquência juvenil.