Cortical Structure in Relation to Empathy and Psychopathy in 800 Incarcerated Men

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Reduced empathy is a key trait in psychopathy, prevalent in incarcerated populations.
• A detailed understanding of cortical structure's relationship with empathy and psychopathy is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map cortical structure in relation to empathy and psychopathy in incarcerated men.
• To investigate differences in cortical thickness, surface area, and structural-covariance gradients between high and low psychopathy groups.

Main Methods:

• Administered empathy (IRI) and psychopathy (PCL-R) scales to 804 incarcerated men.
• Acquired T1-weighted MRI scans to measure cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA).
• Analyzed structural-covariance gradients and their relationship with psychopathy factors (F1, F2).

Main Results:

• Psychopathy Factor 1 (interpersonal/affective) negatively correlated with empathic concern (IRI-EC).
• Individuals with high psychopathy exhibited lower IRI-EC, increased SA, and compressed CT gradients.
• Cortical structure alterations were most pronounced in paralimbic and somatomotor networks.

Conclusions:

• High psychopathy is associated with reduced empathic concern and distinct cortical structural alterations.
• Findings suggest selective co-alterations in empathy and brain organization.
• Further research in general and incarcerated populations is needed to inform psychopathy treatment.