Psychopathic Personality Traits in the Military: An Examination of the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scales in a Novel Sample

Assessment. 2019 Jun;26(4):670-683. doi: 10.1177/1073191117719511. Epub 2017 Jul 13.

Abstract

The Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale is a short, self-report measure initially developed to assess psychopathic traits in noninstitutionalized samples. The present study aimed to explore factor structure and convergent and discriminant validity of the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale in a large U.S. military sample (90.7% Army National Guard). Factor analytic data, regression, and correlational analyses point to the superiority of Brinkley, Diamond, Magaletta, and Heigel's three-factor model in this sample. Implications for theory and the study of psychopathic personality traits in a military sample are discussed.

Keywords: Levenson; assessment; military; psychopathy; self-report.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel / psychology*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / standards*
  • Psychopathology / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self Report / standards
  • United States