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Montry KM, Simmonite M, Steele VR, Brook MA, Kiehl KA, Kosson DS. Phonological processing in psychopathic offenders. Int J Psychophysiol 2021; 168:43-51. [PMID: 34358580 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2021.07.627] [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: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated that psychopathic offenders exhibit dynamic cognitive and behavioral deficits on a variety of lab tasks that differentially activate left hemisphere resources. The Left Hemisphere Activation (LHA) hypothesis is a cognitive perspective that aims to address these deficits by conceptualizing psychopathy as a disorder in which behavior and cognitive processing change dynamically as a function of the differential taxation of left hemisphere resources. This study aimed to investigate whether psychopathic traits are associated with electrophysiological anomalies under conditions that place differential demands on left hemisphere language processing systems. We examined in a sample of 43 incarcerated indivdiuals the evocation of the N320, an event-related potential (ERP) elicited by nontarget stimuli during a phonological/phonetic decision task that has been shown to elicit greater activation and cognitive processing within the left hemisphere than the right hemisphere. Findings for a subsample of 18 offenders low in psychopathic traits were generally consistent with previous findings in healthy individuals, suggesting similar electrophysiological activity during phonological processing. However, psychopathic traits impacted the amplitude of the N320. Higher levels of psychopathic traits were associated with reduced left-lateralization in phonological processing as well as enhanced ERP differentiation between pronounceable and nonpronounceable stimuli. These findings provide physiological evidence of a relationship between psychopathic traits and anomalous language processing at the phonological level of word processing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Molly Simmonite
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, East Hall, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Vaughn R Steele
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 200 Retreat Ave, Whitehall Building, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Michael A Brook
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Abbott Hall, Suite 1314, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kent A Kiehl
- The non-profit MIND Research Network, an affiliate of Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Departments of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Law, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico MSC03 2220, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - David S Kosson
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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There are More than Two Sides to Antisocial Behavior: The Inextricable Link between Hemispheric Specialization and Environment. Symmetry (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/sym12101671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human functions and traits are linked to cerebral networks serving different emotional and cognitive control systems, some of which rely on hemispheric specialization and integration to promote adaptive goal-directed behavior. Among the neural systems discussed in this context are those underlying pro- and antisocial behaviors. The diverse functions and traits governing our social behavior have been associated with lateralized neural activity. However, as with other complex behaviors, specific hemispheric roles are difficult to elucidate. This is due largely to environmental and contextual influences, which interact with neural substrates in the development and expression of pro and antisocial functions. This paper will discuss the reciprocal ties between environmental factors and hemispheric functioning in the context of social behavior. Rather than an exhaustive review, the paper will attempt to familiarize readers with the prominent literature and primary questions to encourage further research and in-depth discussion in this field.
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Jones DN, Neria AL. Incentive salience & psychopathy: A bio-behavioral exploration. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Hoppenbrouwers SS, De Jesus DR, Sun Y, Stirpe T, Hofman D, McMaster J, Hughes G, Daskalakis ZJ, Schutter DJ. Abnormal interhemispheric connectivity in male psychopathic offenders. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2014; 39:22-30. [PMID: 23937798 PMCID: PMC3868661 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.120046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychopathic offenders inevitably violate interpersonal norms and frequently resort to aggressive and criminal behaviour. The affective and cognitive deficits underlying these behaviours have been linked to abnormalities in functional interhemispheric connectivity. However, direct neurophysiological evidence for dysfunctional connectivity in psychopathic offenders is lacking. METHODS We used transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with electroencephalography to examine interhemispheric connectivity in the dorsolateral and motor cortex in a sample of psychopathic offenders and healthy controls. We also measured intracortical inhibition and facilitation over the left and right motor cortex to investigate the effects of local cortical processes on interhemispheric connectivity. RESULTS We enrolled 17 psychopathic offenders and 14 controls in our study. Global abnormalities in right to left functional connectivity were observed in psychopathic offenders compared with controls. Furthermore, in contrast to controls, psychopathic offenders showed increased intracortical inhibition in the right, but not the left, hemisphere. LIMITATIONS The relatively small sample size limited the sensitivity to show that the abnormalities in interhemispheric connectivity were specifically related to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in psychopathic offenders. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this study provides the first neurophysiological evidence for abnormal interhemispheric connectivity in psychopathic offenders and may further our understanding of the disruptive antisocial behaviour of these offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dennis J.L.G. Schutter
- Correspondence to: D.J.L.G. Schutter, Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Domplein 29, 3512 JE Utrecht, Netherlands;
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Inhibitory deficits in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in psychopathic offenders. Cortex 2013; 49:1377-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Revised: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Vitale JE. Emotion facilitation and passive avoidance learning in psychopathic female offenders. CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND BEHAVIOR 2011; 38:641-658. [PMID: 21686054 PMCID: PMC3115656 DOI: 10.1177/0093854811403590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Research on psychopathy among incarcerated, Caucasian males has consistently demonstrated deficits in emotion processing and response inhibition. Using the PCL-R to classify participants as psychopathic or non-psychopathic, this study examined the performance of incarcerated, Caucasian females on two laboratory tasks: A lexical decision task used to assess emotion processing and a passive avoidance task used to assess response inhibition. Contrary to prediction, deficits in performance typically exhibited by psychopathic males were not exhibited by psychopathic females in this sample. Implications of these findings are discussed and an interpretation of the results in the context of the Response Modulation Hypothesis is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Vitale
- Hampden-Sydney College, Donal G. MacCoon & Joseph P. Newman, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Gao Y, Glenn AL, Schug RA, Yang Y, Raine A. The neurobiology of psychopathy: a neurodevelopmental perspective. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2009; 54:813-23. [PMID: 20047720 DOI: 10.1177/070674370905401204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We provide an overview of the neurobiological underpinnings of psychopathy. Cognitive and affective-emotional processing deficits are associated with abnormal brain structure and function, particularly the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. There is limited evidence of lower cortisol levels being associated with psychopathic personality. Initial developmental research is beginning to suggest that these neurobiological processes may have their origins early in life. Findings suggest that psychopathic personality may, in part, have a neurodevelopmental basis. Future longitudinal studies delineating neurobiological correlates of the analogues of interpersonal-affective and antisocial features of psychopathy in children are needed to further substantiate a neurodevelopmental hypothesis of psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Department of Criminology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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Kosson DS, Miller SK, Byrnes KA, Leveroni CL. Testing neuropsychological hypotheses for cognitive deficits in psychopathic criminals: a study of global-local processing. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2007; 13:267-76. [PMID: 17286884 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617707070294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2006] [Revised: 09/01/2006] [Accepted: 09/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Competing hypotheses about neuropsychological mechanisms underlying psychopathy are seldom examined in the same study. We tested the left hemisphere activation hypothesis and the response modulation hypothesis of psychopathy in 172 inmates completing a global-local processing task under local bias, global bias, and neutral conditions. Consistent with the left hemisphere activation hypothesis, planned comparisons showed that psychopathic inmates classified local targets more slowly than nonpsychopathic inmates in a local bias condition and exhibited a trend toward similar deficits for global targets in this condition. However, contrary to the response modulation hypothesis, psychopaths were no slower to respond to local targets in a global bias condition. Because psychopathic inmates were not generally slower to respond to local targets, results are also not consistent with a general left hemisphere dysfunction account. Correlational analyses also indicated deficits specific to conditions presenting most targets at the local level initially. Implications for neuropsychological conceptualizations of psychopathy are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Kosson
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, USA.
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Suchy Y, Kosson DS. Forming, switching, and maintaining mental sets among psychopathic offenders during verbal and nonverbal tasks: another look at the left-hemisphere activation hypothesis. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2006; 12:538-48. [PMID: 16981606 DOI: 10.1017/s135561770606070x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Three hypotheses for cognitive deficits among psychopaths were tested: executive dysfunction, left hemisphere activation, and an interaction between the two. Twenty-one psychopathic and 23 nonpsychopathic criminal offenders identified with the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised participated in verbal and visual-spatial tasks during which the level of executive processing demands was manipulated. Consistent with prior research, psychopathic offenders made more errors than controls, but only during the verbal task and only on trials with high executive demand. Within those trials, most errors occurred when set-maintenance demands were the highest. No response latency differences between groups were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Suchy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0251, USA.
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Abstract
The purpose of this article is to link empirical literature to the theoretical background of the concept of psychopathy and the impact that this has had on the development of treatment and intervention procedures for psychopathic offenders. This article begins with a discussion of the different theories of psychopathy, which leads into considerations of different developmental pathways of psychopathy in the individual. The discussion will then lead on to the psychometrics and measurement tools used to assess psychopathy in the individual. The measurement section will primarily be focused on Hare's Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), as this is the most frequently used and validated measure of psychopathy. The relationship between psychopathy and different types of crime is also discussed. The final section of the article considers the treatment and interventions that are available to psychopathic offenders and the implications this has for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Vien
- University of Birmingham, School of Psychology, Egdbaston Park Road, Egdbaston, UK.
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Suchy Y, Kosson DS. State-dependent executive deficits among psychopathic offenders. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2005; 11:311-21. [PMID: 15892907 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617705050368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2003] [Revised: 04/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Three hypotheses for cognitive deficits among psychopaths were tested: Response modulation, left hemisphere activation, and an interaction between the 2. Twenty-six psychopathic and 32 nonpsychopathic criminal offenders identified with the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised were randomly assigned to left- and right-hemisphere activation groups. An auditory processing task was administered, such that the ability to classify nonverbal auditory signals and the ability to manage subgoals were assessed under left- and right-hemisphere activation conditions. The results showed that psychopaths' information processing in general, including response modulation, was deleteriously affected by left-hemisphere activation, supporting 2 of the 3 hypotheses tested. These results offer an explanation for inconsistent findings of executive deficits among psychopaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Suchy
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0251, USA.
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Dougherty DM, Mathias CW, Marsh DM, Greve KW, Bjork JM, Moeller FG. Commission error rates on a continuous performance test are related to deficits measured by the Benton Visual Retention Test. Assessment 2003; 10:3-12. [PMID: 12675379 DOI: 10.1177/1073191102250526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study is one in a series investigating the relationship between impulsive behavior on a Continuous Performance Test (i.e., the Immediate and Delayed Memory Task) and other cognitive deficits measured by clinical instruments. Forty-two adolescents were selected for two groups, controls and hospitalized patients with disruptive behavior disorders. Each adolescent completed the Immediate and Delayed Memory Task and the Benton Visual Retention Test. Our main findings were that, even when controlling for IQ, the Immediate and Delayed Memory Task commission errors were associated with adverse Benton performance, but only in the patient group. These results may be explained by a shared association between processes of impulsivity and other deficits of executive control that may interfere with successful performance of the Benton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald M Dougherty
- Neurobehavioral Research Laboratory and Clinic, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 77030, USA.
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Lorenz AR, Newman JP. Deficient response modulation and emotion processing in low-anxious Caucasian psychopathic offenders: results from a lexical decision task. Emotion 2002; 2:91-104. [PMID: 12899184 DOI: 10.1037/1528-3542.2.2.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The clinical and research literatures on psychopathy have identified an emotion paradox: Psychopaths display normal appraisal but impaired use of emotion cues. Using R. D. Hare's (1991) Psychopathy Checklist-Revised and the G. S. Welsh Anxiety Scale (1956), the authors identified low-anxious psychopaths and controls and examined predictions concerning their performance on a lexical-decision task. Results supported all the predictions: (a) low-anxious psychopaths appraised emotion cues as well as controls; (b) their lexical decisions were relatively unaffected by emotion cues; (c) their lexical decisions were relatively unaffected by affectively neutral word-frequency cues; and (d) their performance deficits were specific to conditions involving right-handed responses. The authors propose that deficient response modulation may underlie both the emotional and cognitive deficits associated with low-anxious psychopaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Lorenz
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53706, USA
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Hiatt KD, Lorenz AR, Newman JP. Assessment of emotion and language processing in psychopathic offenders: results from a dichotic listening task. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0191-8869(01)00116-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Lorenz AR, Newman JP. Do emotion and information processing deficiencies found in Caucasian psychopaths generalize to African-American psychopaths? PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0191-8869(01)00111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Skilling TA, Harris GT, Rice ME, Quinsey VL. Identifying persistently antisocial offenders using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist and DSM antisocial personality disorder criteria. Psychol Assess 2002. [DOI: 10.1037/1040-3590.14.1.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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