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Ene I, Wong KKY, Salali GD. Is it good to be bad? An evolutionary analysis of the adaptive potential of psychopathic traits. EVOLUTIONARY HUMAN SCIENCES 2022; 4:e37. [PMID: 37588932 PMCID: PMC10426111 DOI: 10.1017/ehs.2022.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Although psychopathy is widely conceptualised as a mental disorder, some researchers question the maladaptive nature of psychopathy, and argue that it might be advantageous from an evolutionary point of view. According to this view, psychopathy can be seen as an evolutionary adaptative strategy that relies on deception and manipulation to gain short-term reproductive benefits. Psychopathy is also identified as a fast life strategy in response to early life stress and an adaptation to harsh environments. This paper investigates the evidence that psychopathic traits are adaptive, while also addressing the limitations of current evolutionary models of psychopathy based on frequency-dependent selection and life history theory. We review recent studies on the fitness correlates of psychopathy and find that psychopathic traits present potential adaptive trade-offs between fertility and mortality, and offspring quantity and quality. On a proximate level, individual differences in stress reactivity and environmental risk factors in early development predispose to psychopathy through gene-environment interactions. We propose that environmental, developmental, social and cultural factors can mediate the relationship between psychopathic traits and fitness and therefore should be considered to make accurate predictions on the adaptive potential of psychopathy. We end by outlining gaps in the literature and making recommendations for future evolutionary research on psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Ene
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton Street, London WC1H 0BW, UK
| | - Keri Ka-Yee Wong
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, University College London, 25 Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AA, UK
| | - Gul Deniz Salali
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton Street, London WC1H 0BW, UK
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Bronchain J, Chabrol H, Raynal P. Adaptive psychopathic traits: Positive outcomes in a college student sample. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00434-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Psychopathic personality traits in the workplace: Implications for interpersonally- and organizationally-directed counterproductive and citizenship behaviors. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-021-09918-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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A Comparison of Psychopathic Trait Latent Profiles in Service Members. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-021-09872-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Kavish N, Boisvert D, Cooke EM, Lewis RH, Woeckener M, Wells J, Armstrong TA. Further Evaluation of the Associations Between Psychopathic Traits and Symptoms of PTSD and Depression in a Nonclinical Sample. J Pers Disord 2021; 35:469-480. [PMID: 32039651 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2020_34_467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Examining psychopathic traits at the factor or facet level has revealed that various aspects of psychopathy may be differentially related, even in opposing directions, to important outcomes (e.g., intelligence, emotion regulation). Empirical work on relations between psychopathy and internalizing disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, has provided evidence for a positive association with antisocial traits. However, findings for the affective domain have been more equivocal. The current study (N = 732) sought to replicate past findings of the positive association of antisocial psychopathic traits with higher levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms, and to further explore associations between affective traits of psychopathy and these disorders using two measures of psychopathy. Results confirmed prior findings of a positive correlation between antisocial features and self-reported PTSD/Depression symptom severity, but they did not provide evidence for any association with affective traits. Future research using longitudinal designs is needed to begin establishing temporal ordering of the psychopathy-internalizing relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Kavish
- Department of Psychology & Philosophy, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
| | - Danielle Boisvert
- Department of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
| | - Eric M Cooke
- Department of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
| | - Richard H Lewis
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
| | - Matthias Woeckener
- Department of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
| | - Jessica Wells
- Department of Criminal Justice, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
| | - Todd A Armstrong
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska Omaha
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6
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Functional Inferences of Formidability Bias Perceptions of Mental Distress. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-021-00285-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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7
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Depressed or satisfied? The relationship between the dark triad traits, depression, and life satisfaction. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01726-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Grover S, Furnham A. Does emotional intelligence and resilience moderate the relationship between the Dark Triad and personal and work burnout? PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.109979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Bowes SM, Brown AL, Thompson WW, Sellbom M, Lilienfeld SO. Do Psychopathic Traits Statistically Protect Against PTSD? A Retrospective Study of Vietnam Veterans. J Pers Disord 2021; 35:127-144. [PMID: 31206341 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2019_33_432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although psychopathy traits are traditionally associated with maladaptivity, certain traits may statistically buffer against risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research suggests that psychopathy traits are differentially associated with PTSD, as boldness traits are negatively related to PTSD whereas disinhibition features are positively related. The authors sought to clarify the relations between psychopathy and PTSD in a large sample of Vietnam veterans (N = 2,598) and to examine the statistical interactions among (a) psychopathy traits and (b) combat exposure and psychopathy traits in predicting PTSD. Results indicate that psychopathy traits are differentially associated with PTSD in combat-exposed veterans, although the authors found little evidence that boldness was protective against PTSD. Nonetheless, meanness was significantly, albeit weakly, protective against PTSD in the presence of combat exposure. The authors consider the implications of these findings for future research, including the need to consider fearlessness as a heterogeneous construct, and they examine whether the findings generalize to PTSD in DSM-5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Scott O Lilienfeld
- Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Hale AC, Nelson SM, Reckow J, Spencer RJ. Validation and extension of personality disorder spectra scales from MMPI‐2‐RF items. J Clin Psychol 2020; 76:1754-1774. [DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C. Hale
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationUniversity of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan
- VA Center for Clinical Management ResearchHealth Services Research and Development Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Sharon M. Nelson
- Mental Health ServiceVA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Ann Arbor Michigan
- Department of PsychologyEastern Michigan University Ypsilanti Michigan
| | - Jaclyn Reckow
- Mental Health ServiceVA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Ann Arbor Michigan
- Mercy Health Saint Mary'sHauenstein Neurosciences Grand Rapids Michigan
| | - Robert J. Spencer
- Mental Health ServiceVA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Ann Arbor Michigan
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Exploring the relations of psychopathic and narcissistic personality traits to military experiences in National Guard personnel. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.109554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Lasko EN, Chester DS, Martelli AM, West SJ, DeWall CN. An investigation of the relationship between psychopathy and greater gray matter density in lateral prefrontal cortex. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2019; 2:e7. [PMID: 32435742 PMCID: PMC7219674 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2019.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Psychopathic traits predispose individuals toward antisocial behavior. Such antagonistic acts often result in "unsuccessful" outcomes such as incarceration. What mechanisms allow some people with relatively high levels of psychopathic traits to live "successful", unincarcerated lives, in spite of their antisocial tendencies? Using neuroimaging, we investigated the possibility that "successful" psychopathic individuals exhibited greater development of neural structures that promote "successful" self-regulation, focusing on the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC). Across two structural magnetic resonance imaging studies of "successful" participants (Study 1: N = 80 individuals in long-term romantic relationships; Study 2: N = 64 undergraduates), we observed that gray matter density in the left and right VLPFC was positively associated with psychopathic traits. These preliminary results support a compensatory model of psychopathy, in which "successful" psychopathic individuals develop inhibitory mechanisms to compensate for their antisocial tendencies. Traditional models of psychopathy that emphasize deficits may be aided by such compensatory models that identify surfeits in neural and psychological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N. Lasko
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - David S. Chester
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Samuel J. West
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - C. Nathan DeWall
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Fadoir NA, Lutz-Zois CJ, Goodnight JA. Psychopathy and suicide: The mediating effects of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Eisenbarth H, Godinez D, du Pont A, Corley RP, Stallings MC, Rhee SH. The influence of stressful life events, psychopathy, and their interaction on internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Psychiatry Res 2019; 272:438-446. [PMID: 30611961 PMCID: PMC6428049 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to stressful life events increases risk for both internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, but less is known about moderators of the association between stressful life events and psychopathology. The present study examined the influence of stressful life events, psychopathy, and their interaction on internalizing and externalizing psychopathology in 3877 individuals from the community. We hypothesized that (1) exposure to stressful life events would be a transdiagnostic risk factor for psychopathology, (2) primary and secondary psychopathy would be differentially associated with internalizing psychopathology, and (3) primary psychopathy would moderate the association between stressful life events and internalizing psychopathology. Confirming existing findings, our results were consistent with the first and second hypotheses. In contrast to our third hypothesis, primary psychopathy was not associated with stressful life events in childhood, inconsistently associated with stressful life events in adolescence, and did not moderate the association between stressful life events and internalizing psychopathology. Furthermore, stressful life events across development were associated with secondary psychopathy and internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. We also found similar associations between stressful life events, psychopathy, and psychopathology in females and males. Future studies investigating the impact of stressful life events on psychopathology should include psychopathic traits and stress-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedwig Eisenbarth
- Department of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.
| | - Detre Godinez
- Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Colorado
| | - Alta du Pont
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Robin P. Corley
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Michael C. Stallings
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Soo Hyun Rhee
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
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Jacobson NC, Roche MJ. Current evolutionary adaptiveness of anxiety: Extreme phenotypes of anxiety predict increased fertility across multiple generations. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 106:82-90. [PMID: 30296705 PMCID: PMC6219631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although recent research has begun to examine the impact of elevated anxiety on evolutionary fitness, no prior research has examined anxiety across a continuum. Such research is important as the effect of traits across a continuum on fertility hold important implications for the levels and distribution of the traits in later generations. METHOD In a three-generational sample (N = 2657) the linear and quadratic relationship between anxiety and the number of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren 15 years later was examined. RESULTS The findings suggested that anxiety had a positive quadratic relationship with the number of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren 15 years later. These relationships were not significantly moderated by sex. Moreover, most of the variance between anxiety and the number of great-grandchildren was explained by anxiety's influence on the number of children and grandchildren, as opposed to anxiety having an independent direct impact on the number of great-grandchildren. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that extreme values from the mean anxiety are associated with increased evolutionary fitness within the modern environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Jacobson
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, The Pennsylvania State University, United States.
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Gottfried ED, Harrop TM, Anestis JC, Venables NC, Sellbom M. An Examination of Triarchic Psychopathy Constructs in Female Offenders. J Pers Assess 2018; 101:455-467. [PMID: 30183359 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2018.1502193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to expand scientific knowledge on psychopathic personality traits in female offenders by evaluating the relationship between MMPI-2-RF triarchic scales and self-reported external variables in a sample of 205 female offenders. Results indicated that boldness was inversely related to internalizing dysfunction, including suicidal behavior, psychosis, youth conduct problems, problems stemming from alcohol use, and a history of outpatient mental health treatment. Meanness was positively related to internalizing dysfunction as well as youth conduct problems, anger, prison disciplinary reports, and psychosis. Disinhibition was associated with a history of abuse in childhood, suicidal behavior, internalizing dysfunction, problems associated with alcohol and drug use, family history of mental illness, prison disciplinary reports for violence, number of previous criminal charges, and anger. Consistent with views of psychopathy as a configural condition, interactive effects of boldness with disinhibition and meanness were observed for multiple key external variables (e.g., conduct problems, substance use, nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior). This study provides further evidence for the triarchic conceptualization of psychopathy in female offenders and lends additional support for the validity of MMPI-2-RF triarchic psychopathy scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily D Gottfried
- a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Community and Public Safety Psychiatry Division, Medical University of South Carolina
| | | | - Joye C Anestis
- b Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi
| | | | - Martin Sellbom
- d Department of Psychology, University of Otago , Dunedin, New Zealand
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Anestis JC, Green BA, Arnau RC, Anestis MD. Psychopathic Personality Traits in the Military: An Examination of the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scales in a Novel Sample. Assessment 2017; 26:670-683. [DOI: 10.1177/1073191117719511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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