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Maurer JM, Gullapalli AR, Milillo MM, Allen CH, Rodriguez SN, Edwards BG, Anderson NE, Harenski CL, Kiehl KA. Adolescents with Elevated Psychopathic Traits are Associated with an Increased Risk for Premature Mortality. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024:10.1007/s10802-024-01233-6. [PMID: 39207635 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-024-01233-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The mortality rate among adolescents has been steadily increasing in recent years. Researchers have previously identified forms of externalizing psychopathology measured during adolescence associated with an increased risk for premature mortality, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance use disorders (SUDs), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD). The current study investigated whether additional personality traits (i.e., adolescent psychopathic traits, assessed via the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version [PCL:YV]) were also associated with premature mortality risk among maximum-security incarcerated adolescents (N = 332). During a follow-up period ranging from 10 to 14 years, premature mortality was observed in n = 33 participants (9.94%), a mortality rate nearly ten times higher than population norms. We observed that adolescents scoring the highest on PCL:YV total scores exhibited significantly higher rates of premature mortality compared to adolescents scoring lower on PCL:YV total scores via Fisher's exact tests. Additionally, through univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, PCL:YV total, Factor 2 (measuring lifestyle/behavioral and antisocial/developmental psychopathic traits), Facet 1 (measuring interpersonal psychopathic traits), and Facet 3 (measuring lifestyle/behavioral psychopathic traits) scores were associated with faster time to premature mortality. In supplemental analyses performed, we observed that adolescents meeting criteria for externalizing psychopathology (i.e., ADHD, SUDs, ODD, and CD) did not exhibit higher rates of premature mortality compared to control participants. The current study therefore identifies additional maladaptive personality traits to consider in relation to premature mortality risk (i.e., psychopathic traits) among a high-risk sample of incarcerated adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Maurer
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA.
| | - Aparna R Gullapalli
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Michaela M Milillo
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Corey H Allen
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Samantha N Rodriguez
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Bethany G Edwards
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | | | - Carla L Harenski
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Kent A Kiehl
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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Blanchard AE, Keenan G, Heym N, Sumich A. COVID-19 prevention behaviour is differentially motivated by primary psychopathy, grandiose narcissism and vulnerable Dark Triad traits. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 204:112060. [PMID: 36588787 PMCID: PMC9794185 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.112060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, narcissism) are associated with nonadherence to COVID-19 prevention measures such as social distancing and wearing face masks, although the psychological mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain unclear. In contrast, high threat-sensitivity may motivate compliance, and maybe seen in relation to vulnerable dark traits (secondary psychopathy, vulnerable narcissism and borderline personality disorder). The relationship between vulnerable dark traits and COVID-19 prevention behaviour has not been examined. During April 2021, participants (n = 263) completed an online psychometric study assessing engagement with COVID-19 prevention behaviour, traditional DT traits (primary psychopathy; grandiose narcissism) and vulnerable DT traits. Potential indirect effects were fear of COVID-19, perceived coronavirus severity, belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and altruism. Model of path analysis identified predictors of engagement in disease prevention behaviour. Primary psychopathy, grandiose narcissism, secondary psychopathy and BPD were associated with less COVID-19 prevention behaviour, with an indirect effect of reduced coronavirus severity. Grandiose narcissism and BPD were also motivated by COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and increased prevention behaviour when fear of COVID-19 was higher. No direct or indirect effects were observed for vulnerable narcissism. The current study is the first to elucidate psychological mechanisms linking vulnerable dark traits with COVID-19 prevention behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson E Blanchard
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, United Kingdom
| | - Greg Keenan
- Department of Psychology, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool L16 9JD, United Kingdom
| | - Nadja Heym
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Sumich
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, United Kingdom
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Maurer JM, Edwards BG, Harenski CL, Kiehl KA. Psychopathic Traits Are Associated with Lifetime History of Nicotine Dependence among Incarcerated Offenders. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:444-453. [PMID: 36683568 PMCID: PMC9970823 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2167495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background: Individuals scoring high on psychopathy engage in problematic patterns of alcohol and illicit substance use. However, our understanding regarding the association between psychopathy and nicotine use remains limited, which is surprising, given the detrimental consequences associated with such use. Previous studies have observed significant correlations between psychopathic traits (particularly Factor 2 scores assessing lifestyle/behavioral and antisocial traits from the Psychopathy Checklist - Revised [PCL-R]) and increased frequency of nicotine use. However, no study has investigated whether individuals scoring high on psychopathy are characterized by problematic patterns of nicotine use, including lifetime history of nicotine dependence.Objectives: The current study aimed to address this gap, specifically investigating whether PCL-R scores were associated with higher total scores from the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND).Results: Across both incarcerated men and women, PCL-R total, Factor 2, and Facet 3 (measuring lifestyle/behavioral psychopathic traits) scores were positively correlated with FTND total scores. Additionally, across both samples, hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed these same psychopathy scores remained associated with higher FTND total scores when controlling for additional covariate measures (e.g., age, severity of alcohol and illicit substance use, race, ethnicity, and IQ).Conclusions/Importance: Though associated with small effect sizes, our results support the notion that lifestyle/behavioral psychopathic traits represent a general risk factor for engaging in risky behavior associated with deleterious health consequences, including nicotine use. Our results hold implications for the development of treatment approaches, designed to reduce problematic levels of substance use among individuals scoring high on psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bethany G. Edwards
- The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Kent A. Kiehl
- The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Gutiérrez F, Peri JM, Baillès E, Sureda B, Gárriz M, Vall G, Cavero M, Mallorquí A, Ruiz Rodríguez J. A Double-Track Pathway to Fast Strategy in Humans and Its Personality Correlates. Front Psychol 2022; 13:889730. [PMID: 35756215 PMCID: PMC9218359 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.889730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fast-slow paradigm of life history (LH) focuses on how individuals grow, mate, and reproduce at different paces. This paradigm can contribute substantially to the field of personality and individual differences provided that it is more strictly based on evolutionary biology than it has been so far. Our study tested the existence of a fast-slow continuum underlying indicators of reproductive effort-offspring output, age at first reproduction, number and stability of sexual partners-in 1,043 outpatients with healthy to severely disordered personalities. Two axes emerged reflecting a double-track pathway to fast strategy, based on restricted and unrestricted sociosexual strategies. When rotated, the fast-slow and sociosexuality axes turned out to be independent. Contrary to expectations, neither somatic effort-investment in status, material resources, social capital, and maintenance/survival-was aligned with reproductive effort, nor a clear tradeoff between current and future reproduction was evident. Finally, we examined the association of LH axes with seven high-order personality pathology traits: negative emotionality, impulsivity, antagonism, persistence-compulsivity, subordination, and psychoticism. Persistent and disinhibited subjects appeared as fast-restricted and fast-unrestricted strategists, respectively, whereas asocial subjects were slow strategists. Associations of LH traits with each other and with personality are far more complex than usually assumed in evolutionary psychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Gutiérrez
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacións Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M Peri
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Baillès
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bárbara Sureda
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Gárriz
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Vall
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health, and Addiction, GSS-Hospital Santa Maria, Lleida, Spain.,Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation, Lleida, Spain
| | - Myriam Cavero
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aida Mallorquí
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Ruiz Rodríguez
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment Section, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Brazil KJ, Volk AA. Cads in Dads’ Clothing? Psychopathic Traits and Men’s Preferences for Mating, Parental, and Somatic Investment. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-022-00318-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Vaurio O, Lähteenvuo M, Kautiainen H, Repo-Tiihonen E, Tiihonen J. Female Psychopathy and Mortality. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:831410. [PMID: 35360121 PMCID: PMC8960725 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.831410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mortality of female psychopaths has scarcely been investigated. To estimate the association between psychopathy and mortality, data from subjects having been in forensic psychiatric assessments at Niuvanniemi Hospital during 1984-1993 were linked to the data from the National Death Registry. Sixteen psychopathic females scoring 25 points or higher in the PCL-R scale (psychopaths) were followed up for a median (IQR) 21 (17-25) years and 41 offenders scoring <25 on the PCL-R (non-psychopathic offenders) for 22 (17-25) years. In both psychopath and non-psychopath offender groups, the mortality was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in the general population, being over 12-fold among psychopathic and over 6-fold among the non-psychopathic offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olli Vaurio
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Markku Lähteenvuo
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannu Kautiainen
- Unit of Primary Care, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Stockholm City Council, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eila Repo-Tiihonen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm City Council, Stockholm, Sweden.,Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a constellation of affective, interpersonal, lifestyle and antisocial features whose antecedents can be identified in a subgroup of young people showing severe antisocial behaviour. The prevalence of psychopathy in the general population is thought to be ~1%, but is up to 25% in prisoners. The aetiology of psychopathy is complex, with contributions of both genetic and environmental risk factors, and gene-environment interactions and correlations. Psychopathy is characterized by structural and functional brain abnormalities in cortical (such as the prefrontal and insular cortices) and subcortical (for example, the amygdala and striatum) regions leading to neurocognitive disruption in emotional responsiveness, reinforcement-based decision-making and attention. Although no effective treatment exists for adults with psychopathy, preliminary intervention studies targeting key neurocognitive disturbances have shown promising results. Given that psychopathy is often comorbid with other psychiatric disorders and increases the risk of physical health problems, educational and employment failure, accidents and criminality, the identification of children and young people at risk for this personality disorder and preventative work are important. Indeed, interventions that target the antecedents of psychopathic features in children and adolescents have been found to be effective.
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Reid JA, Fox B, Bilali K, Diaz J. Personality traits and male vulnerability to commercial sexual exploitation victimisation. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH : CBMH 2021; 31:120-130. [PMID: 33443782 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been little research into whether personality traits increase vulnerability to serious forms of recurring victimisation, such as commercial sexual exploitation of young people. AIMS To investigate whether impulsivity, emotional dysregulation or high psychopathy scale scores indicative of personality traits increase vulnerability to commercial sexual exploitation. METHODS Data were used from the longitudinal Pathways to Desistance Study 1170 justice-involved men who were aged 14-19 at baseline data collection. Ninety-eight (8%) reported having been commercially sexually exploited during adolescence or young adulthood. We investigated whether personality traits measured at baseline were related to such victimisation. RESULTS Results of binomial logistic regression among the young men in this sample indicated that Factor 1 scores on the Psychopathy Checklist-Youth Version (PCL-YV), reflecting affective and interpersonal features, are associated with having been commercially sexually exploited, while impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and Factor 2 PCL-YV, reflecting antisocial activities, were not. Having been a victim of other violence and being a member of a cultural or ethnic minority group were also independently related to being exploited. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Our findings show that individual differences in personality, such as fearless temperament and boredom susceptibility, could differentially disadvantage young people, and put them at greater risk of commercial sexual exploitation. This knowledge could be beneficial to prevention efforts supporting male adolescents at risk for victimisation by commercial sexual exploitation, and to shed new light on the theoretical understanding of vulnerability to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan A Reid
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Bryanna Fox
- Department of Criminology, Faculty Affiliate, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Klejdis Bilali
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Jennifer Diaz
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St Petersburg, Florida, USA
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Social stress and psychiatric disorders: Evolutionary reflections on debated questions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:461-469. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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