Interaction of Psychopathic Traits Dimensions in the Prediction of Psychological and Physical Child-to-Parent Violence in Adolescents

This study examined the longitudinal relationships between three psychopathic trait dimensions (callous-unemotional, CU; grandiose-manipulative, GM; and impulsive-irresponsible, II) and their interaction in the prediction of psychological and physical child-to-parent violence (CPV). Furthermore, the study examined whether the predictive relationships were different for boys and girls. A total of 765 adolescents (463 girls), with a mean age of 15.28 years (SD = 1.04), completed measures of the psychopathic trait dimensions (CU, GM, and II) and psychological and physical CPV at the beginning of the study and six months later. At the cross-sectional level, all the psychopathic trait dimensions were related to psychological and physical CPV, although the effect sizes were small. At the longitudinal level, II predicted increased psychological CPV. A significant three-way interaction between the three psychopathic trait dimensions (CU, GM, and II) indicated that the longitudinal association between II and physical CPV was higher for adolescents with high CU and low GM. However, the predictive model did not differ for boys and girls.

Intimate Partner Aggression Committed by Prison Inmates with Psychopathic Profile

Psychopathy and intimate partner aggression (IPA) are two concepts that usually appear concomitantly. Male violence toward women is often considered a psychopathic trait that sometimes involves the woman’s homicide by her partner and, at other times, attempted homicide. This phenomenon has been studied by conducting interviews following Hare’s model with 92 men incarcerated under a compliance regime in a Spanish prison (Córdoba). The results detected six explanatory factors of IPA as a result of attempted homicide or homicide: criminal past and delinquency, impulsivity, the need to stand out from others, lack of empathy, manipulation of others, and instability in partner relationships. The first two factors predict a occurrence of high scores on Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist. The results are discussed, and future lines of research are presented, especially focused on the concept of dehumanization and revenge.

Social evaluation boosts contribution in public goods game: an effect depends on primary psychopathic trait

The association between psychopathic trait and noncooperative behaviors has been recognized. However, studies on how individuals with psychopathic personality elevate cooperation are scarce. Here, we probed the effects of monetary incentive and social evaluation on promoting social cooperation among individuals vary in psychopathic trait. In an adapted public good game (PGG), we showed that monetary incentive generally improved the contribution across all participants. While the effect of social evaluation on promoting cooperation depended on primary psychopathic trait, the contribution of individuals with high psychopathic trait were less likely to be influenced by social evaluation. This effect was driven by an upvaluation of the weight of self-interest; the individuals with high psychopathic trait valued self-interest more than collective interests. The mediation model further confirmed that primary psychopathic trait impacted cooperative behaviors through its effect on the weight of self-interest. These findings extend our knowledge of the adaptive variation in social strategies among non-clinical sample and may have implications for the education field.

Examining hypothesized interactive and curvilinear relations between psychopathic traits and externalizing problems in an offender sample using item response-based analysis

Fearless Dominance (FD) generally manifests null to small relations with externalizing problems, leading some researchers to propose alternative paths by which FD features may relate to these problems. The current study provides a test of two possibilities, namely that FD (a) interacts statistically with Self-centered Impulsivity (SCI) such that FD is associated with externalizing problems only at high levels of SCI; and (b) demonstrates curvilinear relations with externalizing problems such that FD is more strongly associated with these problems at high levels. We used a large correctional sample and item-response theory-related statistics to precisely estimate individuals’ scores at the extremes of each major psychopathic trait. FD was not significantly associated with externalizing problems in interaction with SCI or at higher levels of FD, suggesting that psychopathic traits linked to boldness are not especially relevant to generalized externalizing behavior.

Kaizen: working responsively with psychopathic traits

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how Kaizen, an accredited offending behaviour programme designed for high risk and need offenders within Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), lends itself to responsive delivery with those meeting the criteria for psychopathy. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes how the theoretical rationale and model of change underpinning Kaizen can be applied to those with high levels of psychopathic traits given the available literature in this area. Findings It is argued that Kaizen is applicable to those meeting the criteria for psychopathy. Research limitations/implications As a contemporary intervention, the efficacy of Kaizen in its ability to support participants in their journey towards desistance and therefore to contribute to the service wide aim of reducing reoffending is yet to be evaluated. In turn, its applicability to those meeting the criteria for psychopathy is yet to be explored. Practical implications This paper lends support to the applicability of Mann and Carter’s (2012) six organising principles of programme design in the treatment of high risk, high need offenders who meet the criteria for psychopathy. It encourages practitioners to consider Kaizen as a possible intervention option for this population and offers guidance as to how the programme might be used to best effect. The paper also highlights the importance of evaluating the efficacy of participation in Kaizen for this population. Originality/value In time, Kaizen will replace Chromis as the offer by Intervention Services (HMPPS) for high risk offenders with a high level or combination of psychopathic trait. This paper describes this forthcoming change in approach and the rationale underpinning it.

Examining hypothesized curvilinear and interactive relations between psychopathic traits and externalizing problems in an offender sample using item response-based analysis

Fearless Dominance (FD) generally manifests null to small relations with externalizing problems, leading some researchers to propose alternative paths by which FD may relate to these problems. The current study provides a test of two possibilities, namely that FD (a) demonstrates curvilinear relations with externalizing problems such that it is associated with these problems only at high levels; and (b) interacts statistically with other features of psychopathy such that FD is associated with externalizing problems at high levels of other psychopathic traits. We used a large correctional sample and item-response theory-related statistics to precisely estimate individuals’ scores at the extremes of each major psychopathic trait. FD traits were not significantly associated with externalizing problems at higher levels of FD traits or in interaction with other psychopathic traits. In those few cases in which FD traits displayed curvilinear relations, they were negatively associated with externalizing problems at higher levels.