Differential Susceptibility In Psychopathic Subtypes: The Role Of Genetic Plasticity In The Development Of Successful Psychopaths

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

Psychopathy is a disorder associated with violent and persistent antisocial behavior. Research has shown, however, that a psychopathic subtype exists that does not perpetrate these same violent and antisocial acts—this subtype is referred to as the successful psychopaths. Successful psychopaths are able to act in more prosocial ways and achieve more adaptive outcomes than their ‘unsuccessful’ counterparts; however, little research has been conducted on the etiology of successful psychopaths. Using a sample from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), this study attempts to explain the disparate outcomes of successful and unsuccessful psychopaths by applying a differential susceptibility model (Belsky, 1997), specifically using a genetic plasticity approach (Belsky & Beaver, 2011). This study hypothesizes that psychopathic individuals who are also high in susceptibility (or openness to environmental influence) will respond in a for-better-and-for-worse fashion to protective and risk factors, respectively. The findings and implications for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Peter Tanksley, The University of Texas at San Antonio

• Jamie Newsome, The University of Texas at San Antonio