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Cognitive imbalance and antisocial personality characteristics
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
A significant cognitive imbalance, where performance intelligence exceeds verbal intelligence, may predict antisocial behaviors. This study reframed the verbal-performance IQ discrepancy as a developmental issue, finding strong model-data congruence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Antisocial behaviors are linked to cognitive imbalances, specifically higher performance IQ than verbal IQ.
- A developmental arrest theory suggests verbal-analytical functions lag behind impulsive motor-driven actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reformulate the verbal-performance IQ discrepancy index into a causal theoretical model.
- To investigate the relationship between cognitive imbalance and antisocial tendencies using a novel model.
Main Methods:
- Structural equation modeling was used to test a causal theoretical model.
- Participants (N=325, including 141 prison inmates) completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R).
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) Psychopathic Deviate (Pd) and Mania (Ma) scales were administered.
Main Results:
- The reformulated causal model demonstrated excellent model-data congruence.
- Statistical indices supported the proposed theoretical framework linking cognitive variables.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a robust theoretical model for understanding cognitive imbalances related to antisocial behavior.
- Findings support the developmental arrest hypothesis where verbal functions may not keep pace with performance-based skills.