Are Psychopathic Traits Associated with Core Social Networks? An Exploratory Study in University Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-442
Author(s):  
Kylie S. Reale ◽  
Martin Bouchard ◽  
Yan L. Lim ◽  
Alana N. Cook ◽  
Stephen D. Hart
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
University Students ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Psychopathic Traits ◽  
Psychopathic Personality ◽  
Core Networks ◽  
Psychopathic Personality Inventory ◽  
Deliberate Strategy

In a sample of 480 university students, we examined associations between self-ratings of psychopathic traits, made using the Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathic Personality (CAPP), the Psychopathic Personality Inventory: Short Form (PPI: SF), and self-ratings of the structure of their core social networks (i.e., best friends, intimates). Results indicated that higher self-ratings of domains (CAPP) and subscales (PPI: SF) related to interpersonal dominance, manipulation, poor attachment, and emotional regulation were associated with less connected core networks. We interpret the dominance and manipulation domain and subscale findings as preliminary evidence of a deliberate strategy to provide a more influential position within one’s social network. As for the associations with the attachment and emotional regulation domain and subscale findings, we suggest this could be reflective of deficits or a lack of desire both in establishing and maintaining long-term relationships.

scholarly journals Influence of allelic variations in relation to norepinephrine and mineralocorticoid receptors on psychopathic traits: a pilot study

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4528
Author(s):  
Guillaume Durand
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Saliva Sample ◽  
Psychopathic Traits ◽  
Psychopathic Personality ◽  
Mineralocorticoid Receptors ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Tower Of Hanoi ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Allelic Variations

Background Past findings support a relationship between abnormalities in the amygdala and the presence of psychopathic traits. Among other genes and biomarkers relevant to the amygdala, norepinephrine and mineralocorticoid receptors might both play a role in psychopathy due to their association with traits peripheral to psychopathy. The purpose is to examine if allelic variations in single nucleotide polymorphisms related to norepinephrine and mineralocorticoid receptors play a role in the display of psychopathic traits and executive functions. Methods Fifty-seven healthy participants from the community provided a saliva sample for SNP sampling of rs5522 and rs5569. Participants then completed the Psychopathic Personality Inventory–Short Form (PPI-SF) and the Tower of Hanoi. Results Allelic variations of both rs5522 and rs5569 were significant when compared to PPI-SF total score and the fearless dominance component of the PPI-SF. A significant result was also obtained between rs5522 and the number of moves needed to complete the 5-disk Tower of Hanoi. Conclusion This pilot study offers preliminary results regarding the effect of allelic variations in SNPs related to norepinephrine and mineralocorticoid receptors on the presence of psychopathic traits. Suggestions are provided to enhance the reliability and validity of a larger-scale study.

scholarly journals Dimensions of Psychopathic Traits in a Community Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Hedwig Eisenbarth ◽  
Luna C. M. Centifanti
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Antisocial Behavior ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Psychopathic Traits ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychopathic Personality ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Psychopathic Personality Inventory ◽  
Two Measures ◽  
Antisocial Personality Traits

Abstract. There are valid measures of psychopathic traits in youth, such as the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI). However, it is unclear how another self-report measure, which is based on a different conceptualization of psychopathy relates to the YPI in youth and to antisocial behavior. We therefore, compared the construct validity of two measures: the personality-based Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised (PPI-R) and the YPI – based on adult antisocial personality traits. First, both measures showed sufficient model fit and some overlap in their variance, particularly YPI impulsive-irresponsible and grandiose-manipulative factors with PPI-R self-centered impulsivity, as well as YPI callous-unemotional with PPI-R coldheartedness. We found that although overall delinquency was correlated with PPI-R and YPI subscales, only the self-centered impulsivity factor of the PPI-R and only the Impulsive-Irresponsibility domain of the YPI were statistically predictive of self-reported antisocial behavior. Thus, the PPI-R and the YPI both show moderate construct validity and criterion validity for use among young community adults.

Psychopathic Traits' Differential Relations With Aggression Forms: Considering the Roles of Gender and Gender Role Adherence

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (8) ◽  
pp. 628-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia C. Preston ◽  
Ashley L. Watts ◽  
Joye C. Anestis ◽  
Scott O. Lilienfeld
Keyword(s):  
Gender Role ◽  
Physical Aggression ◽  
Sex Role ◽  
Psychopathic Traits ◽  
Psychopathic Personality ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Psychopathic Personality Inventory ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Differential Relations

Research has yielded inconsistent findings between psychopathy and aggression, with findings varying as a function of type of psychopathic trait (i.e., affective, behavioral) and aggression form (i.e., physical, relational). Although some research has explored the role of gender in these relations, gender role adherence has received scant attention. Using an undergraduate sample (N = 320), we aimed to clarify mixed findings on how psychopathic traits relate to aggression forms across males and females; examine how psychopathic traits relate to gender role adherence; and ascertain the roles of gender and gender role adherence in the relations between psychopathic traits and aggression. Psychopathic traits manifested differential relations with gender role adherence such that Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised (PPI-R) Fearless Dominance was most strongly and positively associated with Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) Masculinity, whereas PPI-R Self-Centered Impulsivity and Coldheartedness were negatively associated with BSRI Femininity. BSRI Masculinity and Femininity were uniquely and differentially associated with aggression forms, and remained associated with aggression forms above and beyond both psychopathy and gender. In addition, BSRI Masculinity moderated the relations between PPI-R Self-Centered Impusivity and physical aggression such that those high in both Masculinity and Self-Centered Impulsivity were most prone to physical aggression. In contrast, although BSRI Femininity was negatively associated with aggression, it did not buffer against aggression in the presence of psychopathic traits. Overall, our results underscore the importance of considering gender role adherence in understanding differences in psychopathy and aggression.

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