Hare Psychopathy Checklist

Psychopathy, or the disorder of empathy, is a developmental disorder characterized by high levels of instrumental antisocial behavior. The disorder is usually diagnosed by high scores on psychodiagnostic tools. The Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) is deployed for assessing psychopathic [Page 198]tendencies in childhood and adolescence, and the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL) is used for assessing adults. The instrument for adults was later published as the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL–R). PCL–R consists of 20 items (PCL contained 22 items). Each item in the newer version is scored on a three-point (0, 1, and 2) scale. A score of 0 signifies nonapplicability, 1 stands for somewhat applicable, and 2 signifies full applicability. PCL–R can be used in diverse settings (such as institutions, detention centers, and community and forensic psychiatric hospitals). Psychopaths score between 30 and 40, whereas typical individuals score between 0 and 5.

Factor analyses of behaviors rated on PCL–R reveal two independent factors: (1) an emotion dysfunction factor and (2) an antisocial behavior factor. Socioeconomic status and IQ are found to be correlated with scores on the antisocial factor, but neither is associated with scores on the emotion dysfunction factor. This happens because the scores on the emotion dysfunction factor seem to be determined by different influences from those that determine the scores on the antisocial behavior factor. Furthermore, scores on the antisocial behavior factor decline with age, but scores on the emotion dysfunction factor remain constant. The scale robustly predicts institutional adjustment, community violence among prisoners, reoffense rates, and treatment response.

The 20 traits assessed by the PCL–R scale are as follows:

Factor 1:

• Glib/superficial charm or the tendency to be charming, slick, and verbally facile
• Grandiose or a grossly inflated self-worth
• Pathological lying
• Cunning and manipulative tendencies
• Lack of remorse or guilt
• Shallow affect or superficial emotional responsiveness
• Callous attitude and lack of empathy
• Failure to accept responsibility for one's own actions

Factor 2:

• Prone toward boredom or the need for stimulation
• Parasitic dependence or lifestyle
• Poor control of behavior
• Promiscuous sexual activity
• Early onset of behavior problems (usually before 13 years of age)
• Lack of realistic long-term goal planning
• Impulsivity
• Irresponsibility
• Juvenile delinquency
• Revocation of conditional release

Traits not associated with either factor:

• Criminal versatility
• Numerous short-term marital relations

The Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised is a diagnostic tool used to assess psychopathy and antisocial behavior. An individual's socioeconomic status and intelligence level have been correlated with antisocial traits.

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Factors 1 and 2 are highly correlated with each other, and this high correlation is indicative of a single underlying disorder. However, research has failed to provide support for the two-factor model in female samples, even though Factor 1 scores have been more important in measuring psychopathy in women. Furthermore, Factor 1 has been correlated with low empathy, low anxiety, low suicide risk, and low stress reaction, combined with high scores [Page 199]on scales of well-being and achievement. On the other hand, scores on Factor 2 have been correlated with sensation seeking, social deviance, high risk of suicide, and low socioeconomic status. A recent edition of PCL–R lists four factors covering the 20 traits.