Psychopathy as a clinical and empirical construct.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Current psychopathy conceptualizations are influenced by clinical case studies (Cleckley) and empirical assessment (Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, PCL-R).
• Concerns exist regarding the PCL-R's divergence from Cleckley's original construct.
• Cleckley's profile was based on a non-representative patient sample, raising questions about its uncritical acceptance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and evaluate the two major influences on current psychopathy conceptualizations: clinical and empirical.
• To assess the validity of the

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical analysis of clinical and empirical research on psychopathy.
• Evaluation of Cleckley's original case studies and the development and application of the PCL-R.

Main Results:

• The PCL-R may have "drifted" from Cleckley's original construct.
• Rigid adherence to early clinical formulations is less beneficial than integrating diverse empirical findings.
• Current psychopathy research is better informed by structural, genetic, developmental, personality, and neurobiological data.

Conclusions:

• The concept of "construct drift" is less relevant than embracing a multi-faceted empirical approach.
• Future research should focus on integrating various empirical findings for a more robust understanding of psychopathy.
• A move away from uncritical acceptance of early clinical profiles towards comprehensive empirical integration is recommended.