Psychopathy and Impulsivity
PSYC121 – Introduction to Psychology
The Relationship between Primary Psychopathy, Secondary Psychopathy and
Impulsivity scores in a Non-institutionalised Population
Name: Mai Vu
ID: 300296607
Tutor: Alice McCallum
Lab: 27 (Thursday 9am – 10.50am, EA404A)
Abstract
This current study aimed to examine the relationship between primary psychopathy, secondary psychopathy and impulsivity scores in 490 psychology students. A correlational design was conducted in which the Barratt’s Impulsivity Scale (BIS; Barratt, Patton & Stanford, 1995) and the Levenson’s Self-Report Psychopathy scale (LSRP; Levenson, Kiehl & Fitzpatrick 1995) were involved. It was found that both primary psychopath and secondary psychopath associate positively and significantly with impulsivity. However, the relationship between impulsivity and secondary psychopath is stronger. In conclusion, the positive relationship between the two types of psychopath and impulsivity would possibly be used in further abnormal psychological, criminal studies as well as in developing cures for different types of psychopaths
The Relationship between Primary Psychopathy, Secondary Psychopathy and Impulsivity scores in a Non-institutionalised Population
There are tow types of psychopathy. Primary psychopath is defined as a factor that measures a person’s core personality features associated with psychopathy. Secondary psychopath measures his or her self-defeating as well as antisocial behaviours and lifestyle (McHoskey, Worzel & Szyarto 1998, pg 194). They are believed to have a strong association with specific personal aspects, in particular, impulsivity, irresponsibility, anti social actions and criminal versatility. Since this is considered as a dangerous factor towards crime, there have been many studies in this field with the purpose of finding out ways to diagnose, treat and control psychopathy.
According to McHoskey, Worzel and Szyarto (1998), there is a relationship between
The Relationship between Primary Psychopathy, Secondary Psychopathy and
Impulsivity scores in a Non-institutionalised Population
Name: Mai Vu
ID: 300296607
Tutor: Alice McCallum
Lab: 27 (Thursday 9am – 10.50am, EA404A)
Abstract
This current study aimed to examine the relationship between primary psychopathy, secondary psychopathy and impulsivity scores in 490 psychology students. A correlational design was conducted in which the Barratt’s Impulsivity Scale (BIS; Barratt, Patton & Stanford, 1995) and the Levenson’s Self-Report Psychopathy scale (LSRP; Levenson, Kiehl & Fitzpatrick 1995) were involved. It was found that both primary psychopath and secondary psychopath associate positively and significantly with impulsivity. However, the relationship between impulsivity and secondary psychopath is stronger. In conclusion, the positive relationship between the two types of psychopath and impulsivity would possibly be used in further abnormal psychological, criminal studies as well as in developing cures for different types of psychopaths
The Relationship between Primary Psychopathy, Secondary Psychopathy and Impulsivity scores in a Non-institutionalised Population
There are tow types of psychopathy. Primary psychopath is defined as a factor that measures a person’s core personality features associated with psychopathy. Secondary psychopath measures his or her self-defeating as well as antisocial behaviours and lifestyle (McHoskey, Worzel & Szyarto 1998, pg 194). They are believed to have a strong association with specific personal aspects, in particular, impulsivity, irresponsibility, anti social actions and criminal versatility. Since this is considered as a dangerous factor towards crime, there have been many studies in this field with the purpose of finding out ways to diagnose, treat and control psychopathy.
According to McHoskey, Worzel and Szyarto (1998), there is a relationship between
References: Levenson, M.R., Kiehl, K.A., and Fitzpatrick, C.M. (1995). Assessing Psychopathic Attributes in a Non-institutionalized Population. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 68, 151-158. Herpertz, S.B., Werth, U., Lukas, G., Qunaibi, M., Schuerkens, A., Kunert, H-J., Freese, R., Flescg, M., Mueller-Isberner, R., Osterheider, M. and Sass, H. (2001). Emotion in Criminal Offenders with Psychopathy and Borderline Personality Disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 58, 737-745. Gaizo, A.L.D. and Falkenbach, D.M. (2008). Primary and Secondary Psychopathic Traits and Their Relationship to Perception and Experience of Emotion. Personality and Individual Differences, 45, 206-212. McHoskey, J.W., Worzel, W. and Szyarto, C. (1998). Machiavellianism and Psychopathy. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74, 192-210. Bartol, C.R. (1999). Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach. (5th ed.). NJ: Prentice Hall. Barratt, E.S., Patton, J.M. and Stanford, M.S. (1995). Factor Structure of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 51, 768-774. Stratton, K.J. (2006). Mindfulness-Based Approaches to Impulsive Behaviors. The New School Psychology Bulletin, 4, 49-71.