Construct validity of a psychopathy measure

Abstract

The present investigation utilizes some of the measures currently being used by the DSM-IV Field Trial work group in their effort to simplify the criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder and at the same time include more traditional items, typical of psychopathy. One hundred and forty-nine students (48 male, 101 female) completed self-report measures of psychopathy, empathy, anxiety, narcissism, untruthfulness and social desirability. It was found that there was an overlap between psychopathy and narcissism, and that overall, those scoring higher on a measure of psychopathy scored lower on a measure of empathy and anxiety. Sex differences were found; for example, males were more likely t..