Examining hypothesized interactive and curvilinear relations between psychopathic traits and externalizing problems in an offender sample using item response-based analysis.

Abstract

Fearless Dominance (FD) generally manifests null to small relations with externalizing problems, leading some researchers to propose alternative paths by which FD features may relate to these problems. The current study provides a test of two possibilities, namely that FD (a) interacts statistically with Self-centered Impulsivity (SCI) such that FD is associated with externalizing problems only at high levels of SCI; and (b) demonstrates curvilinear relations with externalizing problems such that FD is more strongly associated with these problems at high levels. We used a large correctional sample and item-response theory-related statistics to precisely estimate individuals' scores at the extremes of each major psychopathic trait. FD was not significantly associated with externalizing problems in interaction with SCI or at higher levels of FD, suggesting that psychopathic traits linked to boldness are not especially relevant to generalized externalizing behavior.

Political skill camouflages Machiavellianism: Career role performance and organizational misbehavior at short and long tenure

“…Therefore, our third aim is to close this gap by including behaviors at extreme levels of MACH. A recent study of adult criminal offenders found a convex pattern of curvilinear relations between emotional coldness, which is an important feature of MACH (Paulhus & Williams, 2002), and antisocial behaviors, indicating an increased likelihood of antisocial behaviors at extreme levels of emotional coldness (Weiss et al, 2019). We extended the findings from this study by analyzing the patterns of curvilinear relations between MACH and CWB (Bennett & Robinson, 2000) at extreme levels of MACH.…”

“…It is characterized (Lilienfeld & Widows, 2005) by "an absence of deep feelings of guilt, empathy, and loyalty, as well as a lack of enduring attachment to others" (p. 22). Weiss et al In the same study, Weiss et al (2019) also found such a convex pattern of curvilinear relations between carefree nonplanfulness and antisocial behaviors. Carefree nonplanfulness (i.e., a lack of impulse control) is characterized (Lilienfeld & Widows, 2005) by a "lack of forethought and willingness to forgo careful consideration of alternative solutions to problems" (p. 22).…”

Fearless Dominance/Boldness Is Not Strongly Related to Externalizing Behaviors: An Item Response-Based Analysis

“…The first hypothesis, put forward by Blonigen (2013), suggests that FD/B’s relevance to these maladaptive outcomes may only be seen at high levels of these traits. To date, this hypothesis has been tested three times with each finding no evidence to suggest a curvilinear relation with behavioral outcomes typical of psychopathy (Gatner et al, 2016; Vize et al, 2016, Weiss et al, 2019). Second, some researchers have argued that FD/B may be more relevant to these outcomes through synergistic interactions with antagonism/meanness and disinhibition in predicting maladaptive behavioral outcomes (Lilienfeld et al, 2012).…”

“…For example, across 42 outcomes, Vize et al (2016) found evidence for only two FD by SCI interactions, and neither was in the anticipated direction. More recently, the interaction hypothesis was tested in a correctional sample (Weiss et al, 2019). Weiss et al found no evidence of FD by SCI interactions for any of the four outcomes tested.…”

“…Last, both simulated and traditional analyses have indicated that traditional scoring methods are limited in their ability to detect curvilinearity at extreme ends of trait distributions (Carter et al, 2014, 2016, 2017). More recently, Weiss et al (2019) evaluated the curvilinearity hypothesis on a correctional sample, finding no support for the hypothesis, but their analysis was limited to the PPI.…”