Response perseveration in psychopaths: Interpersonal/affective or social deviance traits?

• DOI: 10.1037/0021-843x.116.3.632
• Publication Date: 2007-08-14T14:51:51Z
• Authors: Javier Moltó; Rosario Poy; Pilar Segarra; M. Carmen Pastor; Susana Montañés
• Keywords: Perseveration; Deviance

In order to clarify the role of two broad components psychopathy (interpersonal/affective and social deviance; R. D. Hare, 2003) in explaining maladaptive response perseveration psychopaths, as well reflection after punished responses this deficit, authors administered a card task 47 Spanish male inmates assessed using Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; 1991). Hierarchical regressions showed that psychopaths' (more cards played less money earned) was uniquely predicted by deviance features (PCL-R Factor 2)--particularly its impulsive irresponsible lifestyle facet Facet 3)--and not interpersonal/affective 1). Moreover, related lack both punishment reward feedback. The authors' results, conjunction with previous evidence indicating perseverative deficits several impulse control disorders, suggest may be specific but rather is associated more generally externalizing dimension psychopathology.