Abstract
The research on how stress affects individuals high in psychopathy is limited. Previous studies have found that the four subcomponents, or facets, of psychopathy are linked to certain types of stressors. Additionally, stress has been found to be linked to criminal behavior. The current study aimed to examine more in depth the association between the four facets of psychopathy (Interpersonal, Affective, Lifestyle Impulsivity, Antisocial, respectively) and different subtypes of stress (Interpersonal, Situational, Work Difficulties). Archival data from the Massachusetts Treatment Center database (MTC) for a sample (n = 542) of individuals evaluated for civil sexual commitment were used. Trained raters’ scores on the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) were used to measure psychopathy, and 35 Life Event stressor variables, assessed in the year before first sexual offense, were used to measure stress. A series of correlations were computed between stressor types and the psychopathy facets. Facet 1 was found to be related to interpersonal stressors. As predicted, Facet 2 did not covary with any stressor type. Facet 3 was related to all stressors except for interpersonal stressors. Facet 4 was associated with situational stressors. The results support the idea that stress is associated with each psychopathy facet in unique ways. Future research should examine the directionality and causality of the relation between psychopathy facets and stressor types.