A meta-analysis of the association between psychopathy and sadism in forensic samples. (May 2019) - O'Connell, Debra
Abstract: This meta-analysis examined the association between psychopathic personality traits as assessed by the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 1991), and sadism. The PCL-R yields a total score as well as two factor scores. Factor 1 encompasses the interpersonal/affective components of psychopathy such as glibness, and callousness. Factor 2 captures the antisocial behavior aspects of psychopathy including impulsivity, and poor planning abilities. The meta-analysis included 19 independent adult, male forensic samples from 16 articles that included a total of 5161 participants. The average r across all studies for PCL-R total score and sadism was 0.24 ( p < .001). Both PCL-R Factor 1 ( r = 0.25, p < .01) and PCL-R Factor 2 ( r = 0.26, p < .01), yielded similar correlations with sadism. Sadism measurement method and type of sadism assessed did not significantly moderate the association between psychopathy and sadism. However, there was low power in the moderator analyses. These results support previous research that found both the interpersonal/affective component of psychopathy and the antisocial behavior component of psychopathy are associated with sadism. Highlights: PCL-R total scores were associated with sadism in forensic samples. Both PCL-R Factor 1 and Factor 2 are associated with sadism. Psychopathy and sadism are related, but distinct constructs. Research using broader conceptualizations of sadism in forensic samples is needed.