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Psychopathy and the Five Factor Model in a Noninstitutionalized Sample: A Domain and Facet Level Analysis

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Abstract

The relationship of primary and secondary psychopathic dispositions as measured by the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy (LSRP) Scales to NEO-PI-R domain and facet scales of the Five Factor Model (FFM) was examined in a sample (N = 463) of young adults. Previous investigations were extended by (1) addressing the relationship of higher- (i.e., domain) and lower-order (i.e., facet) FFM traits to primary and secondary psychopathy in noninstitutionalized persons, in an attempt to validate hypotheses by T. A. Widiger and D. R. Lynam (1998); (2) examining sex differences in FFM traits in relation to these two psychopathic dispositions; and (3) lending further evidence for the validity of the LSRP. LSRP primary psychopathy was marked by low Agreeableness whereas LSRP secondary psychopathy was characterized by high Neuroticism, low Agreeableness, and low Conscientiousness. Although few sex differences were found between primary and secondary psychopathy, findings support the use of NEO-PI-R domain and facet scales in the identification of personality disorder.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana

    Scott R. Ross

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio

    Catherine J. Lutz

  3. Private Practice, Houston, Texas

    Steven E. Bailley

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  2. Catherine J. Lutz
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Ross, S.R., Lutz, C.J. & Bailley, S.E. Psychopathy and the Five Factor Model in a Noninstitutionalized Sample: A Domain and Facet Level Analysis. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment 26, 213–223 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOBA.0000045337.48535.a5

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