Psychopathic traits and the ability to plan in context

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Date
2017-12
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University of Alabama Libraries
Abstract

Psychopathy is a personality disorder marked by affective (e.g., callousness) and interpersonal (e.g., superficial charm, manipulative nature) impairment as well as a socially deviant style characterized by unstable and antisocial behavior (e.g., impulsivity, irresponsibility). One model, the dual-deficit model, separates this construct into two factors: Factor 1 (affective and interpersonal deficits) and Factor 2 (social deviance). A number of researchers have hypothesized that psychopathy is associated with deficits in executive functioning, specifically impulsivity and planfulness, although this research remains conflicting. This study aimed to further elucidate the relationship between psychopathic traits and planfulness in an adult male inmate population. In addition, psychopathy traits have been shown to differ in response to reward and social interactions. Therefore, how one’s ability to plan may change depending on context was investigated. Using a reward-type paradigm, this study explored how an individual’s ability to plan changes when (1) there is no potential for reward, (2) there is potential for reward, or (3) there is potential to take someone else’s reward. The Delis Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Tower Test presented with poor internal consistency on two outcome scores (i.e., total achievement, move accuracy), and questionable reliability for a third (i.e., mean first move times). These results suggest further investigation into the use of the D-KEFS Tower Test in forensic samples. Overall, Factor 1 traits were significantly related to faster first moves on the D-KEFS tower Test, which was the most reliable outcome score. Contrary to hypotheses, reward condition and Factor 2 traits were not predictive of planning ability, as measured by any D-KEFS outcome score. These results suggest Factor 1 traits may be associated with more efficient planning ability, while Factor 2 may not be associated with deficient planning ability. Further, performance on the D-KEFS Tower Test (a performance task of planning ability) was unrelated to the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS; a self report measure of planning ability), while Factor 2 traits were positively associated with nonplanfulness on the BIS. These data suggest measurement approach may lead to differing findings. Ultimately, deficits in planning related to Factor 2 traits may emerge under certain conditions.

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Electronic Thesis or Dissertation
Keywords
Clinical psychology
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