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Psychopathy and developmental instability.

M L. Lalumière1, G T. Harris, M E. Rice

  • 1Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene, 500 Church St., Penetanguishene, L9M 1G3, Ontario, Canada

Evolution and Human Behavior : Official Journal of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society
|April 3, 2001
PubMed
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This study found no evidence for developmental perturbations in psychopaths, challenging psychopathology models. Results partially support the life-history strategy model for psychopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary psychology
  • Developmental psychology
  • Behavioral genetics

Background:

  • Psychopathy is characterized by manipulation, impulsivity, and antisocial behavior.
  • Two models explain psychopathy: a psychopathology (developmental defect) or a life-history strategy (evolutionary adaptation).
  • These models predict different developmental trajectories and signs of perturbation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate developmental perturbations in psychopathy.
  • To test predictions from psychopathology and life-history strategy models of psychopathy.

Main Methods:

  • Study 1: Examined prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal data from 643 nonpsychopathic and 157 psychopathic male offenders.
  • Study 2: Measured fluctuating asymmetry (FA), a marker of developmental instability, in 15 psychopathic offenders, 25 nonpsychopathic offenders, and 31 male nonoffenders.

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Main Results:

  • Psychopathic offenders showed fewer obstetrical problems and lower FA than nonpsychopathic offenders.
  • Both psychopathic and nonpsychopathic offenders exhibited higher FA than nonoffenders.
  • The most psychopathic offenders had FA levels similar to nonoffenders.

Conclusions:

  • Findings do not support psychopathological models of psychopathy.
  • Results offer partial support for the life-history strategy model of psychopathy.
  • Psychopathy may represent an adaptive strategy rather than a developmental defect.