Concurrent, Convergent, and Discriminant Validity of the DSM-5 Section III Psychopathy Specifier

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychology

Background:

• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) offers an alternative model for personality disorders.
• Antisocial personality disorder is reconceptualized as interpersonal, not behavioral.
• The psychopathy specifier faces controversy due to overlap with triarchic boldness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the validity of the DSM-5 psychopathy specifier.
• To assess concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity.
• To investigate the specifier's utility in clinical and forensic contexts.

Main Methods:

• Canonical correlation analysis was employed.
• Two samples were studied: undergraduate students (N=224) and community adults with criminal history (N=306).
• The multidimensional nature of the specifier was analyzed across its three facets.

Main Results:

• The psychopathy specifier demonstrated multidimensionality with varying associations across facets.
• Limited validity evidence was found for two of the three facets.
• Divergent associations were observed, suggesting distinctiveness among facets.

Conclusions:

• The findings raise concerns about the clinical utility of the DSM-5 psychopathy specifier.
• Further research is needed to refine the conceptualization and measurement of psychopathy.
• The specifier's validity is questionable, impacting its application in diagnosing antisocial personality disorder.