title: Under the surface: the dynamic interpersonal and affective world of psychopathic high-security and detention prisoners.
abstract: The present study yields an in-depth examination of the interpersonal and affective world of high-security and detention prisoners with possible (Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version [PCL:SV] ≥ 13) and strong (PCL:SV ≥ 18) indications of psychopathy. A group of male inmates (n = 16) was compared with noncriminal and non-personality disordered controls (n = 35) on measures of self and other (Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form [YSQ-SF], Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Circumplex Scales [IIP-C]), and the experience and regulation of affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule [PANAS], Emotion Control Questionnaire 2 [ECQ2]). Results confirm the established grandiose, dominant, and callous characteristics of the psychopath (PCL:SV, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders [SCID-II], DSM-IV and ICD-10 Personality Questionnaire [DIP-Q], IIP-C), while demonstrating personal distress and important nuances and variations in psychopathic offenders' interpersonal and affective functioning (YSQ-SF, PANAS, ECQ2, SCID-II, DIP-Q). These preliminary findings support, expand, and challenge the ordinary portrayal of the psychopath and, if replicated in larger samples, point to a need for an expansion or reformulation of the concept, measurement, and treatment of psychopathy.
authors.affiliation: St. Olavs University Hospital, Forensic Department Brøset, Center for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, P.O. 1803 Lade, Trondheim N-7440, Norway. Aina.Sundt.Gullhaugen@stolav.no
authors.forename: Aina Sundt
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Gullhaugen
authors.forename: Jim Aage
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Nøttestad
mesh_terms: D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012637:Security Measures