Self-reported psychopathy: A validation study

Two studies are reported examining the reliability and validity of Levenson 's Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP; Levenson, Kiehl, & Fitzpatrick, 199 5) in a noninstitutionalized population. The first study used 1,958 undergr aduates to examine the factor structure of the LSRP and its relation to ser ious antisocial behavior and common dimensions of personality. The second s tudy (n = 70) included performance tasks known to discriminate psychopathic from nonpsychopathic prisoners. Results of the studies support the reliabi lity and validity of the LSRP. The 2-factor structure of the inventory was strongly replicated in a series of confirmatory factor analyses. Predicted relations were observed between the LSRP and other self-report instruments of delinquency. In addition, the factors of the LSRP demonstrated the predi cted divergent relations to traditional personality traits. Finally, psycho pathic undergraduates showed deficits in response modulation similar to tho se observed in incarcerated psychopaths. Implications for psychopathy in ge neral are also discussed.