Cultural and ethnic variations in psychopathy

Abstract

Our primary goal in this chapter is to evaluate what has been learned about psychopathy in terms of cultural and ethnic differences by (1) reviewing current knowledge about the base rates, mean levels, and prevalence of psychopathy

(2) examining the evidence for the universality of the construct and its factor structure

and (3) evaluating the differential expression or construct validity of psychopathic traits across cultures and ethnic groups. Throughout the chapter we consider the controversies and debates that surround psychopathy, culture, and ethnicity. Because the majority of the studies of clinical psychopathy have employed PCL measures, we emphasize the research using these measures. However, because there has been substantial relevant research using parent- and teacher-rating measures and self-report inventories, we also briefly address the empirical literatures for these measures. Because research to date has led to several distinct conceptualizations of psychopathy, our review includes research addressing several contemporary perspectives regarding the mechanisms underlying this clinical condition. These goals are addressed through consideration of studies investigating psychopathy in adult prison populations and studies conducted among community and incarcerated samples of youth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)