Comparing the DSM-5 Dimensional Trait and Triarchic Model Conceptions of Psychopathy: An External Validity Analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Personality Psychology

Background:

• Psychopathy is conceptualized differently across models, including the DSM-5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) and the Triarchic Model of Psychopathy (TriPM).
• AMPD defines psychopathy through specific traits and broader domains (Antagonism, Disinhibition).
• TriPM posits three core traits: disinhibition, meanness, and boldness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To directly compare the explanatory power of AMPD and TriPM measures.
• To examine their associations with externalizing, internalizing, and positive adjustment dimensions.
• To understand the convergent and divergent validity of these psychopathy models.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed 1,678 adults on personality traits, clinical symptoms, and positive adjustment.
• Administered measures for both AMPD and TriPM constructs.
• Utilized regression analyses to compare variance explained in various outcomes.

Main Results:

• The TriPM model explained significantly more variance in substance use, positive adjustment, and empathy compared to the AMPD model.
• The AMPD model explained more variance in internalizing symptoms.
• Specific sub-traits within AMPD (Antagonism) and TriPM (Meanness, Boldness) showed distinct associations with certain outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Both AMPD and TriPM offer valuable, complementary perspectives on psychopathy.
• The Triarchic Model may provide a more robust framework for understanding certain facets of psychopathy, such as substance use and positive adjustment.
• Further research can explore the integration of these models for a comprehensive characterization of psychopathy.