Examination of the triarchic model of psychopathy

Sokić, Katarina. (2017). Examination of the triarchic model of psychopathy. PhD Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology.
(Poslijediplomski doktorski studij psihologije) [mentor Ljubin Golub, Tajana].

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Abstract

Research goals The Triarchic Model of Psychopathy (TMP) is a relatively new model of psychopathy, formulated as an integrative framework for reconciling differing conceptions of psychopathy. According to this model, psychopathy is a complex, dimensional construct which encompasses three distinct, elemental phenotypic constructs with psychological and neurobiological correlates. These three symptomatic constructs are boldness (defined as the nexus of high dominance, low anxiousness, and venturesomeness), meanness (reflecting tendencies toward callousness, cruelty, predatory aggression, and excitement seeking), and disinhibition (reflecting tendencies toward impulsiveness, irresponsibility, oppositionality, and anger/hostility). The major aim of the current study was to examine the theory based relations of triarchic psychopathy components with empathy, attachment, impulsivity and aggression. Futhermore, the aim of this study was to examine gender differences in the framework of these relations. Metod Participants The study comprised a convenience sample of 598 (308 male and 290 female) undergraduate students, aged from 18 to 50 years (M = 21.60, SD = 4.30). Students attended various faculties and colleges located at Zagreb. Thus, students with different majors participated (70.1% financing and law, 20.7% engineering and computing, 9.2% psychology). Procedure Students were approached by the researchers during regularly-scheduled classes and were provided with information about the purpose and procedure of the study. Participation was anonymous and voluntary and no incentives were given. After providing an informed consent, participants were given the questionnaires. Instruments The Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM, Patrick, 2010) is a 58-item self-report measure of triarchically conceptualized psychopathy, yielding scores on the three subscales of Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition, and a Total Psychopathy score. The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI; Davis, 1983) is a 28-item self-report questionnaire assessing both cognitive and affective aspects of empathy. This scale consists of four separate, seven-item subscales that tap particular facets of empathy (Empathic Concern, Personal Distress, Perspective-Taking, and Fantasy). The Experiences in Close Relationships scale- Short Version, Inventory attachment to romantic partners (ECR; Brennan, Clark, & Shaver, 1998; Kamenov & Jelić, 2003) is a 18- item questionnaire which assesses current levels of attachment Anxiety and Avoidance dimensions. The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale–11 (BIS-11; Patton, Stanford, & Barratt, 1995) is a 30-item self-report instrument assessing impulsiveness. The BIS-11 captures three domains of impulsiveness: Attentional Impulsiveness, Motor Impulsiveness, and Non-Planning Impulsiveness. The Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ; Raine et al., 2006) is a self-report measure that distinguishes between reactive and proactive aggression. The RPQ consists of 23 items: 11 items which measure Reactive Aggression, and 12 items which measure Proactive Aggression. Results As predicted, Boldness was in both males and females negatively associated with impulsiveness (non-planning component). Howewer, the results also showed that Boldness was also negatively associated with the one aspect of emotional empathy (measured with Personal Distress Scale), and with attachment anxiety dimension in both gender; and positively associated with Motor impulsiveness and Proactive aggression in males. Also as predicted, Meanness was in both males and females, negatively associated with emotional and cognitive empathy; positively associated with attachment avoidance dimension and with Proactive aggression; while no relationship was found with any component of impulsiveness. Only in females, Meanness was also related to Reactive aggression. As expected, Disinhibition in both males and females showed positive relation with attachment anxiety, all impulsiveness components, and Reactive aggression. The expected positive relationship between Disinhibition and avoidance attachment dimension was found only in males. Unexpectedly, Disinhibition was in both males and females positively associated with emotional empathy, some aspects of cognitive empathy, and with Proactive aggression. The results are in line with the theoretical assumptions proposed in triarchic psychopathy model. The results also suggested that boldness was related to both adaptive and maladaptive tendencies.

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