Triarchic Constructs of Psychopathy Influence Performance on Behavioral Measures of Empathy

• Other Authors: Brislin, Sarah J. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Psychology
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-9558

Empathy is conceptualized a multi-dimensional construct that underlies aspects of prosocial human behavior (Davis, 1980). Historic conceptualizations of psychopathy posit that the characteristic callous disregard for others associated with psychopathic traits may be due, in part, to deficient empathic responses (Blair et al., 2006). The current study examined the differential relationship between symptomatic features of psychopathy and facets of empathy measured via self-report and behavioral performance on computer tasks in a mixed gender undergraduate student sample (N=66). Within this sample, meanness, a facet of psychopathy that encompasses a cold and callous interpersonal style, demonstrated the strongest negative associations with self-reported facets of empathy. Meanness was also uniquely associated with decreased accuracy in recognizing fearful faces. Across behavioral tasks, weak associations were found between behavioral indices of empathy and self-reported empathy, leading to concern regarding the construct validity of these behavioral tasks. Taken together, these findings extend and clarify the nomological networks of both psychopathy and empathy by bridging domains of measurement. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Summer Semester 2015. === July 1, 2015. === Includes bibliographical references. === Christopher J. Patrick, Professor Directing Thesis; Thomas E. Joiner, Committee Member; Colleen M. Ganley, Committee Member.