Differential Association of Hare Psychopathy Checklist Factor and Facet Scores to HIV Risk Behaviors in Incarcerated Female Substance Abusers

Author(s): Henry J. Richards, Jay O. Casey, Stephen W. Lucente, Debra Kafami

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65030/idr.01009

Abstract: The authors hypothesized that factor and facet scores compiled from the Hare Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R) and the Psychopathy Checklist Screening Version (PCL: SV) would be differentially correlated to HIV risk behavior variables. Participants were 126 incarcerated female substance abusers who participated in a larger treatment effectiveness study. The two factor scale scores were found to correlate differently to several, but not all, HIV risk behaviors. Of particular interest, the interpersonal/affective factor of psychopathy (Factor 1) was significantly and negatively associated with engaging in unprotected vaginal intercourse, whereas Factor 2 was not significantly correlated with this risk factor. The authors concluded that psychopathy factor scores, and to a lesser degree facet scores, may be useful in determining the optimal emphasis, on either self interest or mutuality, of prevention efforts.

Keywords: Psychopathy; PCL-R; HIV risk behavior; Incarcerated women; Substance abuse; Factor structure; Interpersonal–affective traits

Pages: 95-107

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