Psychopathy and impulsivity reconsidered

Extant models and measures for assessing psychopathy include impulsivity as a key feature of this disorder. In this article, we review literature that demonstrates how psychopathy-and-impulsivity relations differ as a function of manifestations of psychopathy in both person-oriented studies (i.e., mean impulsivity scores among psychopathy subtypes) and variable-oriented studies (i.e., correlations with psychopathy measures' factor scores). Also, emerging models of psychopathy within Gray's Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) challenge the notion that impulsivity is the primary personality trait associated with increased Behavioral Approach System (BAS) function that is associated with some RST models of psychopathy. Finally, recent studies with student and community samples challenge the notion that the more dysfunctional forms of impulsivity may be appropriate markers of “successful psychopathy.” We conclude that the blunt assertion that “psychopaths are impulsive” is no longer defensible, and that future models of psychopathy need to consider more complex associations among the various manifestations of these two constructs.

Research Highlights► Impulsivity is questioned as a key feature of psychopathy. ► Several form of impulsive behavior relate mainly to secondary psychopathy. ► Extraversion (agency) may best explain primary psychopaths’ increased reward-seeking behavior. ► Impulsive behavior may not be characteristic of “successful” psychopathic individuals.