Does sex influence the network structure of psychopathy?

Abstract

Sex-specific manifestations of psychopathy remain highly debated both at the dimensional and structural levels. The network theory provides a promising framework for investigating this question. Thus, our study aimed to explore the network structure of psychopathy across sex. Participants were 1990 college students (males: 43%, females: 57%) who received the Elemental Psychopathy Assessment-Short Form (EPA-SF). We first estimated a Gaussian Graphical Model including the eighteen EPA-SF facets, separately for males and females. We then computed centrality indices (i.e., strength and expected influence), predictability, and finally conducted a bootstrapping procedure to assess the accuracy of edge weights and the stability of the centrality indices. The results of the network comparison test provide support for the stability of the network structure of psychopathic traits across sex. Self-Centeredness was the most central trait in the two networks, followed by Unconcern, Rashness, and Anger for females, and by Callousness, Unconcern, and Rashness for males. Minor sex-differences and future directions are discussed.