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Psychopathy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

M. J. Vitacco*
Affiliation:
Mendota Mental Health Institute, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Email: vitacmj@dhfs.state.wi.us
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Abstract

Type
Columns
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2007 

Cooke et al (Reference Cooke, Michie and Skeem2007) claim that there is no compelling empirical evidence to support the conclusion that antisocial behaviour is a central feature of psychopathy. However, in the same issue of the Journal Viding et al (Reference Viding, Frick and Plomin2007) report a common genetic component to callous–unemotional traits and antisocial tendencies. Other studies cited by Viding et al report similar results. Moreover, Larsson et al (Reference Larsson, Tuvblad and Rijsdijk2007) reported that the same general four factors present in our four-factor model of psychopathy (Reference Vitacco, Neumann and JacksonVitacco et al, 2005) all loaded onto a single genetic factor. Longitudinal research (not cited by Cooke et al) indicates that antisocial tendencies are significantly linked to the longitudinal stability of psychopathic traits (Reference Frick, Kimonis and DandreauxFrick et al, 2003). Cooke et al refer to the work of Cleckley (Reference Cleckley1988) to support their position, but in Cleckley's accounts of psychopathy antisocial behaviours play an important role. As Patrick (Reference Patrick and Patrick2006: p. 608) noted, ‘There is no question that Cleckley considered persistent antisocial deviance to be characteristic of psychopaths. Without exception, all the individuals represented in his case histories engage in repeated violations of the law – including truancy, vandalism, theft, fraud, forgery, fire-setting, drunkenness and disorderly conduct, assault, reckless driving, drug offences, prostitution, and escape.’ As Blackburn (Reference Blackburn2007: p. 145) recently put it, ‘Contra Cooke,… antisocial behavior, conceived broadly, is a characteristic feature of psychopathy.’

In our paper based on a very large sample (Reference Vitacco, Neumann and JacksonVitacco et al, 2005), we demonstrated the conceptual errors and flaws in modelling that went into the development of Cooke's model and provided evidence for the four-factor model. Interestingly, Cooke et al did not cite this large study but rather chose to cite our small preliminary studies, although they are in line with our larger study. We do not view criminality as central to psychopathy. Indeed, the Psychopathy Checklist – Screening Version (PCL–SV) contains two items that refer to antisocial behaviour and that can be scored without evidence of criminality. The PCL–R and PCL–SV are virtually identical psychometrically, as noted previously by Cooke et al (Reference Cooke, Michie and Hart1999).

References

Blackburn, R. (2007) Personality disorder and antisocial deviance: comments on the debate on the structure of the Psychopathy Checklist – Revised. Journal of Personality Disorders, 21 142159.Google Scholar
Cleckley, H. (1988) The Mask of Sanity (5th edn). Mosby.Google Scholar
Cooke, D. J. Michie, C. Hart, S. et al (1999) Evaluating the screening version of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL: SV): an item response theory analysis. Psychological Assessment, 11 313.Google Scholar
Cooke, D. J. Michie, C. & Skeem, J. (2007) Understanding the structure of the Psychopathy Checklist – Revised. An exploration of methodological confusion. British Journal of Psychiatry, 190 (suppl. 49) s39s50.Google Scholar
Frick, P. J. Kimonis, E. R. Dandreaux, D. M. et al (2003) The 4 years stability of psychopathic traits in non-referred youth. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 21 124.Google Scholar
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Viding, E. Frick, P. J. & Plomin, R. (2007) Aetiology of the relationship between callous–unemotional traits and conduct problems in childhood. British Journal of Psychiatry, 190 (suppl. 49) 3338.Google Scholar
Vitacco, M. Neumann, C. S. & Jackson, R. L. (2005) Testing of a four-factor model of psychopathy: associations with gender ethnicity intelligence and violence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73 466476.Google Scholar
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