Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
891077 Personality and Individual Differences 2013 6 Pages PDF
Abstract

Eysenck proposed that psychopathy is at the extreme end of the Psychoticism (P) personality dimension (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1976). This study examined (i) whether psychopathy-relevant P items of the EPQ-R can form psychometrically valid facets that map onto the conceptualization of the two-, three- or four-factor models of psychopathy using confirmatory factor analysis (N = 577) in a normal population; and (ii) whether those P-facets have criteria-related validity in associations with self-reported primary and secondary psychopathy, impulsivity (subsample N = 306), and measures of trait empathy and aggression (subsample N = 212). The four-factor model incorporating affective, interpersonal, impulsive, and antisocial facets of P was superior to the two-factor model; however, the three-factor conceptualization excluding the antisocial P-facet was the best fit. The facets show predicted divergent associations with primary and secondary self-reported psychopathy and trait measures. Findings are discussed in light of Eysenck’s P-psychopathy continuity hypothesis and the applicability of facet approaches to the prediction of psychopathic and antisocial tendencies.

► An examination of psychopathy related facets in EPQ-R Psychoticism (P). ► Confirmatory factor analyses of the 2, 3 and 4 factor models of psychopathy in P. ► Support the 4 factor model over 2 factor model, but 3 factor model had best fit. ► P-facets show predicted divergent associations with psychopathy related traits. ► Linked to high psychopathy, impulsivity and aggression, and low empathy.

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