Refining the construct of psychopathy: towards a hierarchical model

Psychol Assess. 2001 Jun;13(2):171-88.

Abstract

Psychopathy is characterized by diverse indicators. Clinical accounts have emphasized 3 distinct facets: interpersonal, affective, and behavioral. Research using the Psychopathy Checklist--Revised (PCL-R), however, has emphasized a 2-factor model. A review of the literature on the PCL-R and related measures of psychopathy, together with confirmatory factor analysis of PCL-R data from North American participants, indicates that the 2-factor model cannot be sustained. A 3-factor hierarchical model was developed in which a coherent superordinate factor, Psychopathy, is underpinned by 3 factors: Arrogant and Deceitful Interpersonal Style, Deficient Affective Experience, and Impulsive and Irresponsible Behavioral Style. The model was cross-validated on North American and Scottish PCL-R data, Psychopathy Screening Version data, and data derived from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) antisocial personality disorder field trial.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Forensic Psychiatry / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Population Surveillance
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / standards*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sampling Studies
  • Scotland / epidemiology
  • United States / epidemiology