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Voulgaris A, Biedermann SV, Biedermann D, Bründl S, Roth L, Wiessner C, Briken P, Fuss J. The impact of psychopathic traits on anxiety-related behaviors in a mixed reality environment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11832. [PMID: 38782995 PMCID: PMC11116403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62438-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There is an ongoing debate about anxiety deficits in psychopathy and their possible impact on individual behavior. Data on actual anxiety- and threat-related behavior associated with psychopathy is still limited. We performed a mixed reality study using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) in a non-clinical sample (N = 160) to test anxiety-related behavior in relation to psychopathic personality traits measured through the Brief Questionnaire of Psychopathic Personality Traits (FPP). The psychopathy sum score correlated significantly with all measures of anxiety-related behavior on the EPM. Sensation seeking, but not general levels of acrophobia was moreover associated with psychopathic traits. Multivariate analyses revealed that the subscales Fearlessness and Lack of Empathy of the FPP predicted anxious behavior. Our findings are the first to demonstrate the relationship between psychopathic traits and actual behavior in an anxiety-inducing environment. This supports the low-anxiety hypothesis in psychopathy research. Implications for potentially harmful or risky behavior are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Voulgaris
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Sarah V Biedermann
- Social and Emotional Neuroscience Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Biedermann
- Social and Emotional Neuroscience Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Alfredstr. 68-72, 45130, Essen, Germany
| | - Susanne Bründl
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Alfredstr. 68-72, 45130, Essen, Germany
| | - Lateefah Roth
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Alfredstr. 68-72, 45130, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Wiessner
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Fuss
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Alfredstr. 68-72, 45130, Essen, Germany.
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2
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Fowles DC. Arousal, Gray's theory of anxiety, and the etiology of psychopathy. Biol Psychol 2024; 188:108772. [PMID: 38462065 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2024.108772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
This paper focuses on Jeffrey Gray's theory of anxiety from the perspective of Fowles' (1980) application of his work to theories of arousal, psychophysiology, and the etiology of psychopathy. Although highly influential, the concept of general arousal failed to find support in terms of between-individuals assessment with multiple physiological measures. Gray's constructs of a behavioral inhibition system (BIS) that mediates anxiety, a behavioral approach or activation system (BAS) that energizes behavior to approach rewards, and a nonspecific arousal system that energizes behavior captured aspects of arousal. Fowles (1980) proposed that the BIS elicits electrodermal activity in response to threats, the BAS increases heart rate in response to reward incentive cues, and psychopathy is associated with a weak BIS. The paper reviews Gray's impact on future research on these topics, including early proposals relevant to the National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria. Finally, the paper summarizes the evolution of theories of the etiology of psychopathy since 1980, noting ways in which aspects of Gray's theory are still seen in psychopathy research. Patrick's triarchic model has emerged as a major theory of psychopathy. Beauchaine's trait impulsivity theory of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder also is relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don C Fowles
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, United States.
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3
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Seeger NA, Brackmann N, Lamm C, Hennig-Fast K, Pfabigan DM. Social exclusion evokes different psychophysiological responses in individuals high on the psychopathy facets fearless dominance and self-centered impulsivity. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1197595. [PMID: 38274437 PMCID: PMC10808528 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1197595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals with psychopathic personality traits are generally thought to have difficulties in processing and experiencing emotions. These difficulties could also translate to emotionally charged social situations such as social exclusion. Being socially excluded is often experienced as stressful and unpleasant, potentially even leading to selfish or aggressive behavior-both of which are linked to certain aspects of psychopathy. The current study investigated self-report and physiological responses to social exclusion in the cyberball paradigm in a carefully selected community sample of individuals either scoring high on primary (N = 24) or secondary psychopathy traits (N = 17). Across the sample, the cyberball paradigm decreased experiences of joy and approach motivation, increased subjective anger reports, and induced changes in heart rate. In contrast, individuals scoring high on secondary psychopathy traits (Self-Centered Impulsivity group) displayed stronger physiological reactivity during a habituation phase of prolonged social exclusion than individuals scoring high on primary psychopathy traits (Fearless Dominance group), indexed by changes in skin conductance level. Moreover, a potential mismatch between self-reported and physiological arousal seemed to be only observable in individuals with high secondary psychopathy traits. Overall, the current results suggest diverging patterns of emotional processing and regulation in a social exclusion situation when comparing well-functioning individuals with varying psychopathy traits. It seemed as if individuals high on primary psychopathy traits were insensitive to contextual social cues, while individuals high on secondary psychopathy traits were more affected by the potentially threatening social situation. Cautiously transferring the current findings to forensic samples, they support the idea of moving from a behavioral understanding of the psychopathy construct to a more clinical picture with distinct cognitive and emotional processing patterns in individuals high on either primary or secondary psychopathy traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Seeger
- Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Brackmann
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Hennig-Fast
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Daniela M. Pfabigan
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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4
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Kimonis ER. The Emotionally Sensitive Child-Adverse Parenting Experiences-Allostatic (Over)Load (ESCAPE-AL) Model for the Development of Secondary Psychopathic Traits. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:1097-1114. [PMID: 37735279 PMCID: PMC10640461 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and treatment of antisocial behavior have improved through efforts to subtype individuals based on similar risk factors and outcomes. In particular, the presence of psychopathic traits is associated with distinct etiological factors and antisocial behavior that begins early in life, is aggressive, persistent, and less likely to normalize with traditional treatments, relative to individuals low on psychopathy or its childhood precursor, callous-unemotional (CU) traits. However, important distinctions can be made within individuals with CU/psychopathic traits according to the presence of elevated anxiety symptoms and/or adverse childhood experiences, known as secondary psychopathy/CU traits. This paper provides a broad and brief overview of theory and empirical literature supporting the existence of secondary psychopathy/CU variants as a distinct subtype of childhood antisocial behavior. It outlines the Emotionally Sensitive Child-Adverse Parenting Experiences-Allostatic (Over)Load (ESCAPE-AL) model for the developmental psychopathology of secondary psychopathic/CU traits and discusses research and theory supporting this perspective. Future research directions for testing this conceptual model and its implications for assessing and treating high-risk individuals with secondary CU/psychopathic traits are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva R Kimonis
- Parent-Child Research Clinic, School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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5
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Ruchensky JR, Bauer EA, Edens JF, MacNamara A. Triarchic psychopathy and affective picture processing: An event-related potential study. Biol Psychol 2023; 182:108628. [PMID: 37429538 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Psychopathy and its precursors appear to be associated with abnormal affective response. For example, individuals high in psychopathy show reduced psychophysiological response to unpleasant stimuli, which might explain low levels of empathy in psychopathic individuals, and their pursuit of individual goals without regard for others' wellbeing. In keeping with the notion that psychopathology is best represented on a continuum, the triarchic model suggests that psychopathy is characterized by elevations on three traits: boldness, meanness and disinhibition. Understanding how these traits relate to psychophysiological response to emotional stimuli would help validate the triarchic model, while also bridging to other psychopathological spectra (e.g., internalizing psychopathology, which is characterized by low boldness). Here, N = 123 young adults passively viewed unpleasant, pleasant and neutral pictures while subjective and electrocortical response were recorded. Controlling for the other triarchic traits, individuals with higher self-reported meanness had smaller late positive potentials (LPPs) to both pleasant and unpleasant pictures, whereas individuals higher in boldness had larger LPPs to unpleasant pictures. In addition, those higher in meanness rated unpleasant pictures as more pleasant and less emotionally arousing. Disinhibition was not associated with the LPP or ratings. Meanness appears to drive blunted response to unpleasant pictures that has previously been observed among those high on psychopathy, and may also be associated with reduced engagement with generic pleasant stimuli. Moreover, results converge with prior work on other traits of transdiagnostic relevance (e.g., extraversion), as well as internalizing symptoms, providing a bridge between psychopathy and other forms of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared R Ruchensky
- Department of Psychology & Philosophy, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Bauer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - John F Edens
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Annmarie MacNamara
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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6
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Buckels EE, Williams DA, Trapnell PD, Kermani Koosheh S, Javra OM, Svenne SC. Blunted startle reactivity in everyday sadism and psychopathy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14216. [PMID: 37648765 PMCID: PMC10469178 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Two studies examined the amplitude of the startle response as a function of the Dark Tetrad of personality (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism). We measured electromyographic activity of the orbicularis oculi muscle evoked by a startle stimulus while participants viewed images on a computer screen. Both studies revealed a negative correlation between general startle reactivity (averaged across positive, negative, and neutral images) and sadistic tendencies. In Study 2, all four dark traits were negative correlates of general startle reactivity. Study 2 also examined the personality correlates of aversive startle potentiation (ASP; indexed by greater reactivity while viewing negatively-valenced images than positive or neutral images). ASP correlated negatively with a variety of personality measures of psychopathy and sadism, their facets, and related personality tendencies (callousness, risk-taking, and restricted affect). These findings suggest that ordinary people with high levels of callousness and antagonism display physiological evidence of non-reactivity (i.e., blunted acoustic startle in general), whereas psychopathy and sadism are preferentially associated with reduced ASP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Buckels
- Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada.
| | - Douglas A Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Paul D Trapnell
- Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Siavash Kermani Koosheh
- Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Owen M Javra
- Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Sasha C Svenne
- Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada
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7
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Snowden RJ, Mitchell E, Ojo SK, Preedy-Lunt R, Gray NS. Spatial Attention to Emotional Images and Psychopathic Personality Traits. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-022-10012-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPsychopathy has often been thought to be associated with a deficit in processing of the affective content of stimuli. This hypothesis was tested by examining if stimuli that depicted a threat to the viewer, or stimuli that depicted distressing scenes, would produce an automatic shift in spatial attention, and whether this effect would be modified by individual differences in trait psychopathy as conceptualised by the triarchic model of psychopathy. Using a large mixed gender community sample (N = 286) it was found that spatial attention was averted away from threat stimuli for both short (200 ms) and long (500 ms) periods from cue to target, while the distress cues did not produce any spatial attention shifts. The trait of Meanness was found to be associated with a reduction in the effect of threat stimuli, while the trait of Disinhibition was found to be associated with an increase in this threat effect. However, the dot-probe task showed poor reliability. We conclude that the callous unemotional aspects of psychopathy, as captured by the Meanness scale, are underpinned by a lack of response to affective information, whereas impulsive/irresponsible traits of psychopathy, as captured by the Disinhibition scale, are underpinned by an exaggerated response to such affective information.
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8
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Book A, Visser B, Wattam T. The effect of fear-inducing stimuli on risk taking in people with psychopathic traits. Cogn Emot 2022; 36:1313-1326. [PMID: 35913789 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2022.2106944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that people with psychopathic traits experience fear-inducing stimuli differently from others, seeming to interpret fear as more positive and less negative. We expected that this reaction, termed fear enjoyment, would impact the effect of fear-inducing stimuli on self-report risk-taking behaviour. Risk-taking was measured before and after viewing excitement- and fear-inducing videos (N = 825). As expected from research showing that fear induction tends to reduce risk-taking tendencies, participants showed reduced risk-taking scores following a fear-inducing stimulus. Importantly, this relationship was moderated by psychopathic traits. Participants who did not decrease their risk-taking tendencies following the video scored significantly higher on psychopathic traits. Also, some of the variance in the relationship between psychopathic traits and change in risk-taking was partly accounted for by fear enjoyment, suggesting that future research should examine whether fear enjoyment may play a role in the relationship between psychopathy and risk-taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Book
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Beth Visser
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Canada
| | - Tori Wattam
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
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9
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Armstrong TA, Boisvert DL, Wells J, Lewis RH, Cooke EM, Woeckener M, Kavish N, Vietto N, Harper JM. Testosterone, cortisol, and criminal behavior in men and women. Horm Behav 2022; 146:105260. [PMID: 36122515 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Only two studies to date have considered the joint effects of testosterone and cortisol on direct measures of criminal behavior. The current study extends this earlier work by incorporating the direct and interactive effects of baseline hormone measures and hormone change scores in response to social stress. The current study also extends prior work by considering distinct measures of different criminal behavior types and sex differences. Analyses based on a large sample of undergraduates indicated that testosterone had a positive and statistically significant association with impulsive and violent criminal behavior. The interaction of testosterone with cortisol had a negative association with income generating crime. Simple slopes analyses of this interaction indicated testosterone had a positive association with income generating crime when cortisol was low (-1 SD). Associations between hormones and criminal behavior were not moderated by sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Armstrong
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68182, USA.
| | - Danielle L Boisvert
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, 1905 University Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA.
| | - Jessica Wells
- Department of Criminal Justice, Boise State University, 1910 W University Dr, Boise, ID 83725, USA.
| | - Richard H Lewis
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 S. University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA.
| | - Eric M Cooke
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, 116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Matthias Woeckener
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, 1905 University Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA
| | - Nicholas Kavish
- Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Sam Houston State University, 1905 University Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA.
| | - Nicholas Vietto
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68182, USA
| | - James M Harper
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, 1905 University Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA.
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10
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Jurjako M, Malatesti L, Brazil IA. The Societal Response to Psychopathy in the Community. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2022; 66:1523-1549. [PMID: 34126801 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x211023918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The harm usually associated with psychopathy requires therapeutically, legally, and ethically satisfactory solutions. Scholars from different fields have, thus, examined whether empirical evidence shows that individuals with psychopathic traits satisfy concepts, such as responsibility, mental disorder, or disability, that have specific legal or ethical implications. The present paper considers the less discussed issue of whether psychopathy is a disability. As it has been shown for the cases of the responsibility and mental disorder status of psychopathic individuals, we argue that it is undecided whether psychopathy is a disability. Nonetheless, based on insights from disability studies and legislations, we propose that interventions to directly modify the propensities of individuals with psychopathic tendencies should be balanced with modifications of the social and physical environments to accommodate their peculiarities. We also suggest how this social approach in some practical contexts that involve non-offender populations might be effective in addressing some of the negative effects of psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Jurjako
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Luca Malatesti
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Inti A Brazil
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Forensic Psychiatric Centre Pompestichting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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11
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Walker SA, Double KS, Birney DP, MacCann C. How much can people fake on the dark triad? A meta-analysis and systematic review of instructed faking. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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12
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Welke D, Vessel EA. Naturalistic viewing conditions can increase task engagement and aesthetic preference but have only minimal impact on EEG quality. Neuroimage 2022; 256:119218. [PMID: 35443219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Free gaze and moving images are typically avoided in EEG experiments due to the expected generation of artifacts and noise. Yet for a growing number of research questions, loosening these rigorous restrictions would be beneficial. Among these is research on visual aesthetic experiences, which often involve open-ended exploration of highly variable stimuli. Here we systematically compare the effect of conservative vs. more liberal experimental settings on various measures of behavior, brain activity and physiology in an aesthetic rating task. Our primary aim was to assess EEG signal quality. 43 participants either maintained fixation or were allowed to gaze freely, and viewed either static images or dynamic (video) stimuli consisting of dance performances or nature scenes. A passive auditory background task (auditory steady-state response; ASSR) was added as a proxy measure for overall EEG recording quality. We recorded EEG, ECG and eyetracking data, and participants rated their aesthetic preference and state of boredom on each trial. Whereas both behavioral ratings and gaze behavior were affected by task and stimulus manipulations, EEG SNR was barely affected and generally robust across all conditions, despite only minimal preprocessing and no trial rejection. In particular, we show that using video stimuli does not necessarily result in lower EEG quality and can, on the contrary, significantly reduce eye movements while increasing both the participants' aesthetic response and general task engagement. We see these as encouraging results indicating that - at least in the lab - more liberal experimental conditions can be adopted without significant loss of signal quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Welke
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt (Main), Germany.
| | - Edward A Vessel
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt (Main), Germany.
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13
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Snowden RJ, Frongillo Juric A, Leach R, McKinnon A, Gray NS. Automatic processing of emotional images and psychopathic personality traits. Cogn Emot 2022; 36:821-835. [PMID: 35319353 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2022.2054780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Psychopathy is associated with a deficit in affective processes and might be reflected in the inability to extract the emotional content of a stimulus. Across two experiments, we measured the interference effect from emotional images that were irrelevant to the processing of simultaneous target stimuli and examined if this interference was moderated by psychometrically defined traits of psychopathy. In Experiment 1, we showed this emotional distraction effect was reduced as a function of psychopathic traits related to cold-heartedness and occurred for both positively- and negatively-valenced images. Experiment 2 attempted to test the automaticity of the effects by presenting the emotional stimuli briefly so that the emotion was difficult to report. Again, high visibility images produced strong effects that were moderated by the cold-heatedness/meanness traits of psychopathy, but the low-visibility images did not evoke the emotional distractor effect. Our results strongly support the notion that psychopathic traits related to cold-heartedness/meanness are associated with an inability to automatically process the emotional content of images.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robyn Leach
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Nicola S Gray
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University and Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, UK
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14
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Gray NS, McKinnon A, Snowden RJ. A reduction in the pupil's response to affective sounds in psychopathy and related personality traits. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15235. [PMID: 35312180 PMCID: PMC8935637 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The pupil of the eye dilates in response to affective information, even if that information is not visual. We used this affective modulation of the pupil to examine the hypothesis that individuals with high traits of psychopathy have an insensitivity to emotional stimuli. We also examined general personality traits related to psychopathy. A sample of 120 healthy young men had their pupils monitored while they listened to sound clips that conveyed either neutral emotion (e.g., rain), negative emotion (e.g., a person screaming) or positive emotion (e.g., people laughing). Psychopathy and general personality traits were measured via self-report questionnaire. As expected, both the positive and negative emotional sounds produced greater dilation in the pupil size than neutral sounds. This affective modulation of the pupil was found to be reduced for the negative sounds for people high on the "callous/affective" components of psychopathy (the Affective facet of the SRP-4 and the Meanness scale of the TriPM) and the general personality traits of Reward Dependence and Cooperativeness. The results indicate that these callous traits of psychopathy and general personality may be underpinned by a reduction in the ability to effectively process or monitor emotional stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola S. Gray
- Swansea University & Swansea Bay University Health BoardSwanseaUK
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15
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Namkung H, Thomas KL, Hall J, Sawa A. Parsing neural circuits of fear learning and extinction across basic and clinical neuroscience: Towards better translation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104502. [PMID: 34921863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, studies of fear learning and extinction have advanced our understanding of the neurobiology of threat and safety learning. Animal studies can provide mechanistic/causal insights into human brain regions and their functional connectivity involved in fear learning and extinction. Findings in humans, conversely, may further enrich our understanding of neural circuits in animals by providing macroscopic insights at the level of brain-wide networks. Nevertheless, there is still much room for improvement in translation between basic and clinical research on fear learning and extinction. Through the lens of neural circuits, in this article, we aim to review the current knowledge of fear learning and extinction in both animals and humans, and to propose strategies to fill in the current knowledge gap for the purpose of enhancing clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Namkung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Kerrie L Thomas
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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16
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Baskin-Sommers A, Brazil IA. The importance of an exaggerated attention bottleneck for understanding psychopathy. Trends Cogn Sci 2022; 26:325-336. [PMID: 35120814 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The psychopath has long captured the imagination. A name such as Ted Bundy evokes a morbid curiosity. The crimes committed by Bundy are so cruel that it is hard to imagine how someone could do such things. In this review we discuss evidence that exaggeration in an attention bottleneck is one mechanism that makes it possible for psychopathic individuals to be adept at focusing on a single stimulus feature or goal but struggle to process multiple streams of information simultaneously. This exaggeration may partly explain the behavioral, affective, and social deficits that are apparent among psychopathic individuals. Further research on this attentional mechanism may promote a science that adequately captures the complexity of psychopathic behavior and offers new avenues for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inti A Brazil
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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17
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Oskarsson S, Patrick CJ, Siponen R, Bertoldi BM, Evans B, Tuvblad C. The startle reflex as an indicator of psychopathic personality from childhood to adulthood: A systematic review. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2021; 220:103427. [PMID: 34628215 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The startle reflex has been suggested to operate as a psychophysiological marker of psychopathic personality, based on findings from studies using a range of different methodologies and participant samples. The present review aims at synthesizing existing evidence of the relationship between psychopathy and the startle reflex across task paradigms, psychopathic personality subtypes and subdimensions, participant samples (i.e., incarcerated/ clinical or non-offenders), and age groups using the triarchic model of psychopathy as a frame of reference. Systematic literature searches were conducted up until the 24th of March 2020 in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. A total of 2311 potential studies were identified, out of which 40 met relevancy and quality criteria. Results indicate that reduced aversive startle potentiation is associated with psychopathic personality in general, but clusters of traits relating to the triarchic model constructs of boldness and meanness in particular. Available evidence suggest that startle paradigms could be meaningful for differentiating individuals with and without psychopathic personality. Findings support suggestions of psychopathic personality as a multifaceted, rather than a unitary construct. Reduced aversive startle potentiation has also been found in relation to psychopathic features in child-aged samples but work of this kind is limited and more research is needed. Future studies should focus on greater consistency in task paradigms and analytic strategies to enhance the capacity to compare and integrate findings across studies.
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18
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Scheeff J, Schneidt A, Schönenberg M. Does attentional focus modulate affective information processing in male violent offenders with psychopathic traits? J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:2763-2773. [PMID: 34374120 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Antisocial and psychopathic individuals are characterized by a reduced responsivity to affective information. Yet, the role of attentional processes as possible modulator of these deficits is poorly understood. The current study investigated early and late processing of emotional stimuli in a sample of incarcerated offenders while manipulating the attentional focus. Twenty-seven male violent offenders with psychopathic traits and 27 healthy controls completed two experimental tasks while electroencephalography (EEG) data were collected. Task 1 assessed indirect processing of emotional or neutral distractors during a perceptual judgment task, while Task 2 measured direct processing of the emotional or neutral stimuli and required participants to rate the stimuli regarding valence and arousal. EEG data indicated no differences in early stage processing (early posterior negativity) between the experimental groups. However, we found significant group differences with regard to the late processing stage (late positive potential, LPP). Controls showed increased LPP amplitudes in Task 2 as compared to Task 1, indicating that task demands (i.e., attentional focus) had an effect on the processing of the emotional stimuli. In contrast, LPP amplitudes in the violent offender group were largely unaffected by task demands, suggesting specific late alterations in the neural processing of emotional stimuli. In sum, this study provides new evidence for a modulatory impact of attention on affective information processing in male violent offenders with psychopathic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Scheeff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Schneidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Schönenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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19
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Nummenmaa L, Lukkarinen L, Sun L, Putkinen V, Seppälä K, Karjalainen T, Karlsson HK, Hudson M, Venetjoki N, Salomaa M, Rautio P, Hirvonen J, Lauerma H, Tiihonen J. Brain Basis of Psychopathy in Criminal Offenders and General Population. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:4104-4114. [PMID: 33834203 PMCID: PMC8328218 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychopathy is characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy, and egotistical traits. These traits vary also in normally functioning individuals. Here, we tested whether such antisocial personalities are associated with similar structural and neural alterations as those observed in criminal psychopathy. Subjects were 100 non-convicted well-functioning individuals, 19 violent male offenders, and 19 matched controls. Subjects underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and viewed movie clips with varying violent content during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Psychopathic traits were evaluated with Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (controls) and Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (offenders). Psychopathic offenders had lower gray matter density (GMD) in orbitofrontal cortex and anterior insula. In the community sample, affective psychopathy traits were associated with lower GMD in the same areas. Viewing violence increased brain activity in periaqueductal grey matter, thalamus, somatosensory, premotor, and temporal cortices. Psychopathic offenders had increased responses to violence in thalamus and orbitofrontal, insular, and cingulate cortices. In the community sample, impulsivity-related psychopathy traits were positively associated with violence-elicited responses in similar areas. We conclude that brain characteristics underlying psychopathic spectrum in violent psychopathy are related to those observed in well-functioning individuals with asocial personality features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Nummenmaa
- Turku PET Centre, and Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
- Department of Psychology, University of Turku, 20014, Finland
| | - Lasse Lukkarinen
- Turku PET Centre, and Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
- Psychiatric Hospital for Prisoners, Health Care Services for Prisoners, Turku FI-20251, Finland
| | - Lihua Sun
- Turku PET Centre, and Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Vesa Putkinen
- Turku PET Centre, and Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Kerttu Seppälä
- Turku PET Centre, and Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Tomi Karjalainen
- Turku PET Centre, and Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Henry K Karlsson
- Turku PET Centre, and Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Matthew Hudson
- Turku PET Centre, and Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Niina Venetjoki
- Psychiatric Hospital for Prisoners, Health Care Services for Prisoners, Turku FI-20251, Finland
| | - Marja Salomaa
- Psychiatric Hospital for Prisoners, Health Care Services for Prisoners, Turku FI-20251, Finland
| | - Päivi Rautio
- Turku Prison Outpatient Clinic, Health Care Services for Prisoners, Turku, FI-20251, Finland
| | - Jussi Hirvonen
- Turku PET Centre, and Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
- Department of Radiology, Turku University and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Hannu Lauerma
- Psychiatric Hospital for Prisoners, Health Care Services for Prisoners, Turku FI-20251, Finland
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm City Council, Stockholm SE-11364, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70240, Finland
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20
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Yang X, Spangler DP, Thayer JF, Friedman BH. Resting heart rate variability modulates the effects of concurrent working memory load on affective startle modification. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13833. [PMID: 33913180 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is thought to index top-down control processes in emotion regulation. According to the Generalized Unsafety Theory of Stress (GUTS), resting vmHRV indexes top-down resources that are needed to inhibit subcortical threat circuits, which is important for context-appropriate affective responding. Although this notion has been supported by studies of affective startle (SR) modification, direct evidence that top-down resources are the linking mechanism between vmHRV and context-appropriate affective responding has been lacking. To investigate this possible mechanism, college-aged participants (n = 92) were recruited to complete a picture viewing task and a concurrent working memory (WM) task. Concurrent WM load was manipulated, and the auditory SR stimulus was delivered while viewing affective pictures. Electrocardiography and electromyography were recorded to assess vmHRV and SR eyeblink, respectively. Results showed that WM load attenuated affective SR modification. As expected, the attenuating effects of load on affective SR modification were stronger among low vmHRV relative to high vmHRV individuals, indicating that vmHRV is linked to context-appropriate affective responding through the mechanism of top-down resources. These results support the GUTS and suggest that atypical affective responding among low vmHRV individuals is attributed to the lack of WM resources. Our findings highlight the relation between vmHRV and top-down resources that have been implicated in emotion regulation and contribute to a better understanding of emotion dysregulation in psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Derek P Spangler
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Bruce H Friedman
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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21
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Helt MS, Sorensen TM, Scheub RJ, Nakhle MB, Luddy AC. Patterns of Contagious Yawning and Itching Differ Amongst Adults With Autistic Traits vs. Psychopathic Traits. Front Psychol 2021; 12:645310. [PMID: 33897548 PMCID: PMC8063025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Both individuals with diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and individuals high in psychopathic traits show reduced susceptibility to contagious yawning; that is, yawning after seeing or hearing another person yawn. Yet it is unclear whether the same underlying processes (e.g., reduced eye gaze) are responsible for the relationship between reduced contagion and these very different types of clinical traits. College Students (n = 97) watched videos of individuals yawning or scratching (a form of contagion not reliant on eye gaze for transmission) while their eye movements were tracked. They completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the Psychopathy Personality Inventory-Revised (PPI-R), and the Adolescent and Adult Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist. Both psychopathic traits and autistic traits showed an inverse relationship to contagious yawning, consistent with previous research. However, the relationship between autistic (but not psychopathic) traits and contagious yawning was moderated by eye gaze. Furthermore, participants high in autistic traits showed typical levels of contagious itching whereas adults high in psychopathic traits showed diminished itch contagion. Finally, only psychopathic traits were associated with lower overall levels of empathy. The findings imply that the underlying processes contributing to the disruptions in contagious yawning amongst individuals high in autistic vs. psychopathic traits are distinct. In contrast to adults high in psychopathic traits, diminished contagion may appear amongst people with high levels of autistic traits secondary to diminished attention to the faces of others, and in the absence of a background deficit in emotional empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly S. Helt
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, United States
| | - Taylor M. Sorensen
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, United States
- New England Center for Children, Southborough, MA, United States
| | - Rachel J. Scheub
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, United States
- Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Mira B. Nakhle
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, United States
- Department of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anna C. Luddy
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, United States
- Mass General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Verschuere B, Yasrebi-de Kom FM, van Zelm I, Lilienfeld SO. A Plea for Preregistration in Personality Disorders Research: The Case of Psychopathy. J Pers Disord 2021; 35:161-176. [PMID: 30920938 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2019_33_426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In response to a crisis of confidence, several methodological initiatives have been launched to improve the robustness of psychological science. Given its real-world implications, personality disorders research is all too important to not follow suit. The authors offer a plea for preregistration in personality disorders research, using psychopathic personality (psychopathy) as a prominent case example. To suit action to word, the authors report on a preregistered study and use it to help refute common misconceptions about preregistration as well as to illustrate that the key strength of preregistration: transparency outweighs its (perceived) disadvantages. Although preregistration will not conclusively settle the many debates roiling the field of psychopathy and other personality disorders, it can help to verify the robustness of empirical observations that inform such debates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Verschuere
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Iza van Zelm
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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23
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Fournier LF, McDonald JB, Clayson PE, Verona E. Psychopathic traits, inhibition, and positive and negative emotion: Results from an emotional Go/No-Go task. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13815. [PMID: 33768574 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Difficulty stopping unwanted or inappropriate actions (i.e., inhibitory control) is implicated in antisocial behaviors, which are common in people high in psychopathic traits. Recent research indicates that, for those with antisocial personality, inhibitory control is impaired under negative emotional contexts; however, it is unclear whether this impairment extends to persons with psychopathic traits and to impairments under positive emotional contexts. Identifying some of these distinctions can point to therapeutics that target negative emotion specifically or emotion dysregulation broadly. We sought to identify unique relationships between distinct facets of psychopathy and inhibitory control in the context of positive, negative, and neutral stimuli. Using a community sample (N = 117), event-related potentials were recorded during an emotional-linguistic Go/No-Go task. Results indicated distinct cognition-emotion relationships for each psychopathy facet. Higher interpersonal facet scores related to reciprocal interference between cognition and emotion. Higher callous affect facet scores related to reduced inhibitory and emotional processing, except when stimuli were most engaging (emotional No-Go trials). Higher erratic lifestyle facet scores related to increased effort required to process both emotion and inhibition cues. Finally, higher antisocial facet scores related to poorer behavioral inhibition overall. This research challenges the theoretical accounts of psychopathy focused on specific deficits in negative emotion, such as fearlessness, while offering some support for theories related to attentional dysfunction. Results also highlight the importance of facet-level theorizing, as results varied by facet. This study may inform efforts to reduce disinhibited behaviors, particularly in emotional contexts, among those high in certain psychopathic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren F Fournier
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Julia B McDonald
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Peter E Clayson
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Edelyn Verona
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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24
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Anderson NE, Widdows M, Maurer JM, Kiehl KA. Clarifying fearlessness in psychopathy: An examination of thrill-seeking and physical risk-taking. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2021; 43:21-32. [PMID: 33814695 PMCID: PMC8011553 DOI: 10.1007/s10862-020-09847-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Fearlessness has been described among the traits associated with psychopathy; however, disparities in conceptualizations of fear and how related elements are operationalized among different measures of psychopathic traits have led to some enduring controversy. Here we address a subset of elements characterizing fearlessness represented in thrill-seeking and physical risk-taking among a large sample of incarcerated individuals (n = 688). We examine these relationships utilizing Hare's Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R), the Psychopathy Personality Inventory-Short Form (PPI-SF), and the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS). Among males, the Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS) scale of the SSS was not related to features of the PCL-R, but was highly correlated with Fearless Dominance (FD) of the PPI-SF. Among females, TAS was only modestly correlated with PCL-R total score, but neither of the two PCL-R factors. PPI-SF FD remained a strong predictor of TAS among females. We argue for a careful consideration of the boundaries of the term "fearlessness" as it relates to diverse manifestations of behavior and varied conceptualizations of psychopathy. We also reiterate apparent differences between males and females in the presentation of psychopathic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel E. Anderson
- The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM
| | - Matthew Widdows
- The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM
| | - J. Michael Maurer
- The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Kent A. Kiehl
- The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
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25
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Nord CL, Dalmaijer ES, Armstrong T, Baker K, Dalgleish T. A Causal Role for Gastric Rhythm in Human Disgust Avoidance. Curr Biol 2021; 31:629-634.e3. [PMID: 33238154 PMCID: PMC7883304 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Rotten food, maggots, bodily waste-all elicit disgust in humans. Disgust promotes survival by encouraging avoidance of disease vectors1 but is also implicated in prejudice toward minority groups; avoidance of environmentally beneficial foods, such as insect protein; and maladaptive avoidance behavior in neuropsychiatric conditions.2-5 Unlike fear, pathological disgust is not improved substantially by exposure therapy clinically,6 nor in experimental work does behavioral avoidance of disgusting images habituate following prolonged exposure.7,8 Under normal physiological conditions, perception of disgusting stimuli disrupts myoelectrical rhythms in the stomach,9-13 inducing gastric dysrhythmias that correlate with neural signatures of disgust.11 However, the causal role of gastric rhythm in disgust avoidance is unknown. We manipulated gastric rhythm using domperidone, a peripheral dopamine D2/D3 antagonist and common anti-emetic, at a dose (10 mg) that acts to convert gastric dysrhythmias to normal rhythms.9 In a preregistered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design in 25 healthy volunteers (aged 18-25), we measured the effects of domperidone on core disgust avoidance, using eye tracking to measure implicit (oculomotor) avoidance of disgusting images (feces) before and after an "exposure" intervention (monetary reinforcement for looking at disgusting images).7,8 We find that domperidone significantly reduces oculomotor disgust avoidance following incentivized exposure. This suggests that domperidone may weaken the "immunity" of disgust to habituation, putatively by reducing gastric dysrhythmias during incentivized engagement with disgusting stimuli. This indicates a causal role for disgust-related visceral changes in disgust avoidance, supporting the hypothesis that physiological homeostasis contributes to emotional experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla L Nord
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK.
| | - Edwin S Dalmaijer
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK.
| | - Thomas Armstrong
- Department of Psychology, Whitman College, 345 Boyer Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA
| | - Kate Baker
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Tim Dalgleish
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
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26
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Leung PC, Looman J, Abracen J. To Reoffend or Not to Reoffend? An Investigation of Recidivism Among Individuals With Sexual Offense Histories and Psychopathy. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2021; 33:88-113. [PMID: 31538857 DOI: 10.1177/1079063219877173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Although psychopathy is a well-established risk factor for recidivism among those who have committed sexual offenses, there are nonetheless some individuals with sexual offense histories who are high in psychopathy but do not recidivate. This population-nonrecidivating psychopathic sex offenders (NRP-SOs)-was the focus of the current investigation. Data from 111 individuals with sexual offense histories who received a Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) rating of at least 25 (suggesting the presence of psychopathy) were analyzed. With recidivism operationalized as the accrual of any new serious-that is, violent or sexual-charges, 39 recidivated (RP-SOs), whereas 72 did not (NRP-SOs). A logistic regression was conducted to assess whether NRP-SOs could be differentiated from RP-SOs. Being older at the time of release, a lesser criminal history, and being married predicted nonrecidivism. PCL-R factor scores and sexual deviance were not predictive. These findings highlight the heterogeneity that exists, even among those high in psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Looman
- Forensic Behaviour Services, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Andershed H, Gustafson SB, Kerr M, Stattin H. The usefulness of self‐reported psychopathy‐like traits in the study of antisocial behaviour among non‐referred adolescents. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/per.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The present study addresses the question of whether it is possible to use a self‐report measure of psychopathic traits on non‐referred youth samples to identify a subgroup of problematic youths who are particularly problematic and different from other problem youths. A large sample of eighth‐grade, non‐referred adolescents, and their parents were assessed. Results showed that the adolescents exhibiting a low‐socialized psychopathy‐like personality constellation had a more frequent, violent, and versatile conduct‐problem profile than other low‐socialized and well socialized adolescents. The psychopathy‐like adolescents also differed from other poorly socialized adolescents in ways that suggested that their etiological background was different from adolescents with non‐psychopathy‐like conduct problems. We conclude that self‐report measures can indeed be useful for research purposes in subtyping youths with conduct problems. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Andershed
- Center for Developmental Research, Department of Social Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
| | | | - Margaret Kerr
- Center for Developmental Research, Department of Social Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Håkan Stattin
- Center for Developmental Research, Department of Social Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
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28
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Yoon J, Knight RA. Emotional processing of individuals high in psychopathic traits. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ajpy.12063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeongsook Yoon
- Judicial & Criminal Justice Research Division, Korean Institute of Criminology, Seoul, Korea,
| | - Raymond A. Knight
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA,
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29
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Abstract
Personality detection is an important task in psychology, as different personality traits are linked to different behaviours and real-life outcomes. Traditionally it involves filling out lengthy questionnaires, which is time-consuming, and may also be unreliable if respondents do not fully understand the questions or are not willing to honestly answer them. In this article, we propose a framework for objective personality detection that leverages humans’ physiological responses to external stimuli. We exemplify and evaluate the framework in a case study, where we expose subjects to affective image and video stimuli, and capture their physiological responses using non-invasive commercial-grade eye-tracking and skin conductivity sensors. These responses are then processed and used to build a machine learning classifier capable of accurately predicting a wide range of personality traits. We investigate and discuss the performance of various machine learning methods, the most and least accurately predicted traits, and also assess the importance of the different stimuli, features, and physiological signals. Our work demonstrates that personality traits can be accurately detected, suggesting the applicability of the proposed framework for robust personality detection and use by psychology practitioners and researchers, as well as designers of personalised interactive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shlomo Berkovsky
- Centre for Health Informatics, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Irena Koprinska
- School of Computer Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eileen Wang
- School of Computer Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yucheng Zeng
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jingjie Li
- University of Wisconsin–Madison, WI, USA
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Callous-unemotional traits and fearlessness: A cardiovascular psychophysiological perspective in two adolescent samples using virtual reality. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 32:803-815. [PMID: 31455440 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579419001196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
There has been a longstanding debate about the link between callous-unemotional traits and fearlessness. However, biological evidence for a relationship in adolescents is lacking. Using two adolescent samples, we measured emotional reactivity and cardiac measures of sympathetic (pre-ejection period) and parasympathetic (respiratory sinus arrhythmia) reactivity during 3D TV and virtual reality fear induction. Study 1 included 62 community adolescents from a stratified sample. Study 2 included 60 adolescents from Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties schools. Results were consistent across both studies. Adolescents with high callous-unemotional traits showed coactivation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Consistent with these results, youths with callous-unemotional traits self-reported that they felt more in control after the fear induction. Thus, in both samples, youth with callous-unemotional traits displayed a physiological and emotional profile suggesting they maintained control during fear induction. Therefore, it is proposed here that a shift in thinking of youth with callous-unemotional traits as fearless to youth with callous-unemotional traits are better able to manage fearful situations, may be more appropriate.
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Behavioral Inhibition System function as the mediator in the pathway from electrodermal fear conditioning to antisocial behavior: Integrating the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Green LJ, Luck CC, Lipp OV. Startle during backward evaluative conditioning is not modulated by instructions. Psychophysiology 2020; 57:e13679. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ottmar V. Lipp
- School of Psychology Curtin University Perth WA Australia
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Dhingra K, Mitchell SM, Davies B, Anestis MD, Anestis JC. Suicide Ideation Among Male Prisoners: Preliminary Evidence That Psychopathic Traits are Indirectly Linked to Suicide Ideation Through Thwarted Interpersonal Needs. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2020; 50:823-837. [PMID: 32175630 PMCID: PMC7483615 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relation between psychopathic traits and suicide ideation (SI) is frequently discussed but little research has examined potential mechanisms underlying this association. The interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) proposes two mechanisms in the pathogenesis of suicidal desire: thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB). This study cross-sectionally tested TB and PB as possible explanatory links in the relation between psychopathic traits and SI. METHOD Archival data from 784 male U.K. prisoners (Mage = 37.21, SD = 9.97) were analyzed using structural equation modeling. RESULTS Psychopathic traits were indirectly associated with SI through more specific suicide-promoting processes - namely TB and PB. More specifically, results indicated that Egocentricity and Stimulus Seeking were indirectly associated with SI through PB and TB in combination. However, results indicated specific indirect effects of TB in the relations between the Antisocial Behavior, Egocentricity, and Stimulus Seeking facets, and SI, whereas specific indirect effects for PB were only significant in the relations between Egocentricity and Stimulus Seeking facets and SI. CONCLUSION Preliminary results are consistent with the ITS and suggest that psychopathic traits may be distal risk markers for SI and provide direction for future research that could inform suicide prevention efforts among male prisoners high in such traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Dhingra
- School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, England, LS1 3HE
| | - Sean M. Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Blvd., Box Psych, Rochester, NY 14642
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Mail Stop 2051, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-2051
| | - Bill Davies
- School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, England, LS1 3HE
| | - Michael D. Anestis
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, Box #5025, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
| | - Joye C. Anestis
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, Box #5025, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
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Book A, Stark S, MacEachern J, Forth A, Visser B, Wattam T, Young J, Power J, Roters J. In the eye of the beholder: Psychopathy and fear enjoyment. J Pers 2020; 88:1286-1301. [PMID: 32629546 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the relations between psychopathic traits and fear enjoyment. METHOD In Study 1, 140 undergraduate participants (62 men, 78 women) watched the footage of video game play meant to induce either excitement or fear, rating each on positive/negative adjectives. In Study 2, 150 undergraduate participants (94 women, 56 men) rated valence (positive/negative) of 20 sets of morphed surprise/fear photos. RESULTS In Study 1, participants with higher levels of psychopathy rated the fear video as less negative and more positive. In Study 2, valence ratings became more negative as fear information increased (fear-laden faces were rated more negatively than surprise-laden faces). As well, there were significant interactions between psychopathy and morph level in predicting valence with psychopathic traits being associated with giving higher positivity ratings to fear-laden faces. CONCLUSIONS The results of these two studies suggest that people with psychopathic traits have a more positive interpretation of the experience of fear, which could extend to evaluations of others' experiences of fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Book
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Scarlet Stark
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | | | - Adelle Forth
- Psychology Department, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Beth Visser
- Psychology Department, Lakehead University, Orillia, ON, Canada
| | - Tori Wattam
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Young
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Jordan Power
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Roters
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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Kunaharan S, Halpin S, Sitharthan T, Walla P. Do Varying Levels of Exposure to Pornography and Violence Have an Effect on Non-Conscious Emotion in Men? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1215-1229. [PMID: 32140872 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01550-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
As we are often inundated with images of violence and pornography in modern times with the aid of mobile devices and unrestricted online access and content, the non-conscious effect of such exposure is an area of concern. To date, many clinicians and researchers in behavioral sciences rely on conscious responses from their clients to determine affective content. In doing so, they overlook the effect the non-conscious has on an individual's emotions. The present study aimed to examine variations in conscious and non-conscious responses to emotion-inducing images following varying amounts of exposure to violent and pornographic images. Eighteen participants who self-reported as being low pornography users were presented with emotion-inducing images after no exposure (Session 1), after one round of exposure to 50 pornographic and 50 violent images (Session 2) and after a further nine rounds of exposure to 50 pornographic and 50 violent images (Session 3). Sessions were temporally separated by at least 2 days while startle reflex modulation (SRM) and scalp-recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) were used to determine non-conscious emotion-related responses to pre-evaluated emotion pictures. Explicit valence and arousal ratings were assessed for each of those emotion pictures to determine conscious emotion effects potentially changing as a function of increasing controlled exposure to pornographic and violent visual material. Conscious explicit ratings and SRM amplitudes revealed no significant difference between the sessions. However, frontal ERP analysis revealed significant changes between processing of "violent" and "unpleasant" images at later ERP time windows, further supporting the growing body of research which shows that relying on self-report data does not result in a full understanding of emotional responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajeev Kunaharan
- School of Psychology, Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Sean Halpin
- School of Psychology, Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Peter Walla
- School of Psychology, Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- CanBeLab, Department of Psychology, Webster Vienna Private University, Palais Wenkheim, Praterstrasse 23, 1020, Vienna, Austria.
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Groat LL, Shane MS. A Motivational Framework for Psychopathy: Toward a Reconceptualization of the Disorder. EUROPEAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1027/1016-9040/a000394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. The link between psychopathy and violence has been well documented. Estimates suggest psychopathic offenders are responsible for as much as 40% of violence-related crime, and that they show rates of violent recidivism up to five times higher than non-psychopathic offenders. Existing theories of the disorder argue that this violence stems from a core insensitivity to emotional/aversive information, or from a core inability to optimally allocate processing resources in complex environments. However, some newer findings have been difficult for existing theories to assimilate; moreover, successful treatment programs based off current conceptualizations have been slow to develop. With this in mind, the current paper proposes a new motivational framework for psychopathy, within which the disorder is conceptualized as stemming from more strategic, motivated processes. The paper begins by reviewing traditional theories of psychopathy and highlighting their explanatory strengths and limitations. The proposed motivational framework is then outlined, and a supportive rationale for the framework provided. Next, the paper undertakes a selective review of some of the most empirically supported features of the disorder, to highlight how these features may be productively reformulated within a motivational framework. Finally, the paper suggests several methods through which an empirical evaluation of the proposed ideas may be undertaken, and explores potential implications of a motivational framework for next-generation rehabilitation and treatment opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay L. Groat
- The University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew S. Shane
- The University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada
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Schilbach M, Baethge A, Rigotti T. Why employee psychopathy leads to counterproductive workplace behaviours : an analysis of the underlying mechanisms. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WORK AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1359432x.2020.1739650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja Baethge
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Rigotti
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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Paiva TO, Almeida PR, Coelho RC, Pasion R, Barbosa F, Ferreira‐Santos F, Bastos‐Leite AJ, Marques‐Teixeira J. The neurophysiological correlates of the triarchic model of psychopathy: An approach to the basic mechanisms of threat conditioning and inhibitory control. Psychophysiology 2020; 57:e13567. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago O. Paiva
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences University of Porto Porto Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Imaging University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Pedro R. Almeida
- Faculty of Law School of Criminology Interdisciplinary Research Center on Crime, Justice and Security University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Rui C. Coelho
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Rita Pasion
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Fernando Ferreira‐Santos
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | | | - João Marques‐Teixeira
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences University of Porto Porto Portugal
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Is Callous Always Cold? A Critical Review of the Literature on Emotion and the Development of Callous-Unemotional Traits in Children. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2020; 23:265-283. [PMID: 31912346 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-019-00309-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Low emotional responsiveness is considered a core feature of callous-unemotional (CU) traits in childhood and, in the context of antisocial behavior, a precursor of psychopathic traits in adulthood. However, recent findings suggest that CU traits are not always characterized by low emotional responsiveness and the evidence base requires review. This review asks a fundamental question- 'Is callous always cold?'-with a specific focus on emotional responsiveness and CU traits in children with conduct problems (CPs). PRISMA review protocols were followed to identify literature reporting on emotional responsiveness for children 3-18 years with CPs and varying (high and low) CU traits. Results from eligible studies were contrasted by age (children 3-11 years, adolescents 12-18 years), emotional responsive measurement type (physiological, behavioral, self-report), emotion-eliciting stimuli type (interactive activities, static imagery, film) and socio-emotional context of the stimuli (other-orientated, self-orientated, neutral). This review highlights considerable variation in results across studies: reduced emotional responsiveness was not synonymous with participants demonstrating high CU traits. A more consistent picture of reduced emotional responsiveness in participants with high CU traits was found when studies used physiological measures, when stimuli were other-orientated in socio-emotional context, and in older, adolescent samples. In conclusion, this paper advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between high CU traits and the specific factors involved in emotional responsiveness, ultimately suggesting that callous is not always cold. Given that emotional responsiveness is central to theories of moral development, these findings may suggest innovative approaches to early intervention.
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Paul ES, Sher S, Tamietto M, Winkielman P, Mendl MT. Towards a comparative science of emotion: Affect and consciousness in humans and animals. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:749-770. [PMID: 31778680 PMCID: PMC6966324 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The componential view of human emotion recognises that affective states comprise conscious, behavioural, physiological, neural and cognitive elements. Although many animals display bodily and behavioural changes consistent with the occurrence of affective states similar to those seen in humans, the question of whether and in which species these are accompanied by conscious experiences remains controversial. Finding scientifically valid methods for investigating markers for the subjective component of affect in both humans and animals is central to developing a comparative understanding of the processes and mechanisms of affect and its evolution and distribution across taxonomic groups, to our understanding of animal welfare, and to the development of animal models of affective disorders. Here, contemporary evidence indicating potential markers of conscious processing in animals is reviewed, with a view to extending this search to include markers of conscious affective processing. We do this by combining animal-focused approaches with investigations of the components of conscious and non-conscious emotional processing in humans, and neuropsychological research into the structure and functions of conscious emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Paul
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK.
| | - Shlomi Sher
- Department of Psychology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Marco Tamietto
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department of Psychology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Piotr Winkielman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 03-815, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michael T Mendl
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review recent neuro-imaging findings with respect to conduct disorder and callous-unemotional traits in childhood and comparable psychopathy in adult-hood that deepen the literature in important ways. RECENT FINDINGS Recent structural findings particularly bring clarity to the literature. First, they reinforce previous work indicating that severity of psychopathy is positively associated with extent of cavum septum pellucidum. This suggests psychopathy is associated with early neurodevelopmental disruption within limbic structures. Second, they clarify the direction of the association between conduct disorder and particularly callous-unemotional traits and white matter tract abnormalities even if it remains less transparent exactly which tracts are disrupted. However, conclusions based on recent functional imaging studies are more equivocal with inconsistencies in direction of emotional (albeit with notably more work confirming the previous reports of hypo-responsiveness in limbic regions) and reward responsiveness. SUMMARY The recent data are, for the most part, consistent with a view that callous-unemotional traits/psychopathy represents an early appearing neuro-developmental disorder particularly associated with compromised emotional (limbic) functioning. However, some patients presenting with severe antisocial behavior may also show hyper-threat sensitivity, perhaps reflecting trauma exposure, and require different clinical interventions.
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Alzeer SM, Michailidou MI, Munot M, Kyranides MN. Attachment and parental relationships and the association with psychopathic traits in young adults. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Maurer JM, Steele VR, Vincent GM, Rao V, Calhoun VD, Kiehl KA. Adolescent Psychopathic Traits Negatively Relate to Hemodynamic Activity within the Basal Ganglia during Error-Related Processing. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 47:1917-1929. [PMID: 31104203 PMCID: PMC6842671 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-019-00560-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Youth with elevated psychopathic traits exhibit a number of comparable neurocognitive deficits as adult psychopathic offenders, including error-related processing deficits. Subregions of the basal ganglia play an important, though indirect, role in error-related processing through connections with cortical areas including the anterior cingulate cortex. A number of recent structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (s/fMRI) studies have associated basal ganglia dysfunction in youth with elevated psychopathic traits, but these studies have not examined whether dysfunction occurring within subregions of the basal ganglia help contribute to error-related processing deficits previously observed in such at-risk youth. Here, we investigated error-related processing using a response inhibition Go/NoGo fMRI experimental paradigm in a large sample of incarcerated male adolescent offenders (n = 182). In the current report, psychopathy scores (measured via the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV)) were negatively related to hemodynamic activity within input nuclei of the basal ganglia (i.e., the caudate and nucleus accumbens), as well as intrinsic/output nuclei (i.e., the globus pallidus and substantia nigra) and related nuclei (i.e., the subthalamic nucleus) during error-related processing. This is the first evidence to suggest that error-related dysfunction previously observed in youth with elevated psychopathic traits may be related to underlying abnormalities occurring within subregions of the basal ganglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Maurer
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
- The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Vaughn R Steele
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gina M Vincent
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Vikram Rao
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vince D Calhoun
- The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Kent A Kiehl
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Psychopathy is associated with shifts in the organization of neural networks in a large incarcerated male sample. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 24:102083. [PMID: 31795050 PMCID: PMC6861623 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.102083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Psychopathy is linked to disruptions in neural information processing. Graph analysis revealed that psychopathy impacts neural network organization. Psychopathy is linked to a hyper-efficiently organized dorsal attention network. Subcortical structures are less central to neural communication in psychopathy. No psychopathy differences were found in default or salience network graph metrics.
Psychopathy is a personality disorder defined by antisocial behavior paired with callousness, low empathy, and low interpersonal emotions. Psychopathic individuals reliably display complex atypicalities in emotion and attention processing that are evident when examining task performance, activation within specific neural regions, and connections between regions. Recent advances in neuroimaging methods, namely graph analysis, attempt to unpack this type of processing complexity by evaluating the overall organization of neural networks. Graph analysis has been used to better understand neural functioning in several clinical disorders but has not yet been used in the study of psychopathy. The present study applies a minimum spanning tree graph analysis to resting-state fMRI data collected from male inmates assessed for psychopathy with the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (n = 847). Minimum spanning tree analysis provides several metrics of neural organization optimality (i.e., the effectiveness, efficiency, and robustness of neural network organization). Results show that inmates higher in psychopathy exhibit a more efficiently organized dorsal attention network (β = =0.101, pcorrected = =0.018). Additionally, subcortical structures (e.g., amygdala, caudate, and hippocampus) act as less of a central hub in the global flow of information in inmates higher in psychopathy (β = =−0.104, pcorrected = =0.048). There were no significant effects of psychopathy on neural network organization in the default or salience networks. Together, these shifts in neural organization suggest that the brains of inmates higher in psychopathy are organized in a fundamentally different way than other individuals.
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Oba T, Katahira K, Ohira H. The Effect of Reduced Learning Ability on Avoidance in Psychopathy: A Computational Approach. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2432. [PMID: 31736830 PMCID: PMC6838140 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with psychopathy often show deficits in learning, which often have negative consequences. Several theories have been proposed to explain psychopathic behaviors, but the learning mechanisms in psychopathy are still unclear. To clarify the learning anomalies in psychopathy, we fitted reinforcement learning (RL) models to behavioral data. We conducted two experiments to examine the effect of psychopathy as a group difference (Experiment 1) and as a continuum (Experiment 2). Forty-three undergraduates (in Experiment 1) and fifty-five undergraduate and graduate students (in Experiment 2) performed a go/no-go based learning task with accompanying rewards or punishments. Although we observed no differences in learning performance among the levels of psychopathic traits, the learning rate for the positive prediction error in the loss domain was lower for those with high-psychopathic trait than for those with low-psychopathic trait. This finding indicates that individuals with high-psychopathic traits update an action value less when they avoid a negative outcome. Our model can represent previous theories under a computational framework and provide a new perspective on impaired learning in psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeyuki Oba
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kentaro Katahira
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohira
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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De Pascalis V, Scacchia P, Sommer K, Checcucci C. Psychopathy traits and reinforcement sensitivity theory: Prepulse inhibition and ERP responses. Biol Psychol 2019; 148:107771. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.107771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kunaharan S, Halpin S, Sitharthan T, Walla P. Do EEG and Startle Reflex Modulation Vary with Self-Reported Aggression in Response to Violent Images? Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9110298. [PMID: 31671573 PMCID: PMC6896031 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9110298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased violence and aggressive tendencies are a problem in much of the world and are often symptomatic of many other neurological and psychiatric conditions. Among clinicians, current methods of diagnosis of problem aggressive behaviour rely heavily on the use of self-report measures as described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) and International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10). This approach does not place adequate emphasis on objective measures that are potentially sensitive to processes not feeding into subjective self-report. Numerous studies provide evidence that attitudes and affective content can be processed without leading to verbalised output. This exploratory study aimed to determine whether individuals in the normal population, grouped by self-reported aggression, differed in subjective versus objective affective processing. Participants (N = 52) were grouped based on their responses to the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory. They were then presented with affect-inducing images while brain event-related potentials (ERPs) and startle reflex modulation (SRM) were recorded to determine non-language-based processes. Explicit valence and arousal ratings for each image were taken to determine subjective affective effects. Results indicated no significant group differences for explicit ratings and SRM. However, ERP results demonstrated significant group differences between the 'pleasant' and 'violent' emotion condition in the frontal, central and parietal areas across both hemispheres. These findings suggest that parts of the brain process affective stimuli different to what conscious appraisal comes up with in participants varying in self-reported aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajeev Kunaharan
- School of Psychology, Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Sean Halpin
- School of Psychology, Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | | | - Peter Walla
- School of Psychology, Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- CanBeLab, Department of Psychology, Webster Vienna Private University, Palais Wenkheim, 1020 Vienna, Austria.
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Kozhuharova P, Dickson H, Tully J, Blackwood N. Impaired processing of threat in psychopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of factorial data in male offender populations. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224455. [PMID: 31661520 PMCID: PMC6818800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterised by two underlying factors. Factor 1 (affective and interpersonal deficits) captures affective deficits, whilst Factor 2 (antisocial and impulsive/disorganised behaviours) captures life course persistent antisocial behaviours. Impaired processing of threat has been proposed as an aetiologically salient factor in the development of psychopathy, but the relationship of this impairment to the factorial structure of the disorder in adult male offenders is unclear. Objectives To investigate whether threat processing deficits are characteristic of psychopathy as a unitary construct or whether such deficits are specifically linked to higher scores on individual factors. Data sources A systematic review of the literature was conducted by searching PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Methods Studies were included if they (1) reported physiological measures of threat response as the primary outcome measure (2) indexed psychopathy using a well-validated clinician rated instrument such as the PCL-R (3) investigated male offenders between 18 and 60 years of age (4) reported threat processing analyses using both Factor 1 and Factor 2 scores (5) provided sufficient data to calculate effect sizes and (6) were published in English-language peer-reviewed journals. We identified twelve studies with data on 1112 participants for the meta-analysis of the relationship with Factor 1 scores, and nine studies with data on 801 participants for the meta-analysis of the relationship with Factor 2 scores. We conducted the meta-analyses to calculate correlations using random-effects models. Results PCL-R/SV Factor 1 scores were significantly and negatively related to threat processing indices (r = -0.22, (95%CI [-0.28, -.017]). Neither PCL-R/SV Factor 2 scores (r = -0.005, 95%CI [-0.10, 0.09]), nor PCL-R total score (r = -0.05, (95%CI [-0.15, -0.04]) were related to threat processing indices. No significant heterogeneity was detected for the Factor score results. Conclusions The meta-analyses of the distinct psychopathy factors suggest that the threat processing deficits observed in male offenders with psychopathy are significantly associated with higher scores on Factor 1. A similar relationship does not exist with Factor 2 scores. Our findings highlight the importance of investigating the potentially discrete relationships between aetiological variables and the two factor constructs in the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petya Kozhuharova
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Cognition, Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (CNNI), Department of Psychology, Roehampton University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Dickson
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Tully
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Blackwood
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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The Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model and the development of callous-unemotional traits. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:656-671. [PMID: 31618611 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Research implicates callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., lack of empathy, prosociality, and guilt, and reduced sensitivity to others' emotions) in the development of severe and persistent antisocial behavior. To improve etiological models of antisocial behavior and develop more effective treatments, we need a better understanding of the origins of CU traits. In this review, we discuss the role of two psychobiological and mechanistic precursors to CU traits: low affiliative reward (i.e., deficits in seeking out or getting pleasure from social bonding and closeness with others) and low threat sensitivity (i.e., fearlessness to social and non-social threat). We outline the Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model and review studies that have examined the development of affiliative reward and threat sensitivity across animal, neuroimaging, genetic, and behavioral perspectives. We next evaluate evidence for the STAR model, specifically the claim that CU traits result from deficits in both affiliative reward and threat sensitivity. We end with constructive suggestions for future research to test the hypotheses generated by the STAR model.
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Abstract
This article examines whether a functionalist approach to emotion classification is a research program that can feasibly be implemented in an experimental environment. I suggest that this is a promise perhaps impossible to keep. The crux of the argument is that if functional taxonomy is to go the full distance and shape experimental conditions to the new boundaries, then stimuli/experimental manipulations must be selected based on functional principles. But this seems implausible or even impossible. I conclude that emotion taxonomy, and thus the metastructure of emotion theory, is both constrained and determined by human emotional feelings, and suggest that feelings have a special epistemological status in emotion research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Kron
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Israel
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