Burgess, Gary (2016) An exploration of the construct of psychopathy, its measurement and neuropsychological correlates. DClinPsych thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis consists of three papers, a literature review, an empirical paper and a reflective paper. The literature review explores the neuropsychological and neurocognitive correlates of psychopathy with a view to identify and appraise review papers together. Nine articles were identified and comprised studies of child/adolescent and adult, clinical and nonclinical samples. The review identifies evidence of different patterns of performance on inhibition, working memory, intelligence, emotion recognition and affective theory of mind (ToM). Results are considered in terms of neural correlates, clinical presentations and intervention options. Methodological limitations are discussed, both in terms of the included studies and of the literature review itself. Implications for policy and practice are outlines and directions for further research are highlighted.

The empirical paper investigates the construct of psychopathy and its measurement and relationship with the measures of empathy. Data from a nonclinical sample was collected using an online platform. Using a correlational design, relationships between psychopathy and empathy were investigated. Further analyses examined the different psychopathy subscales, differences in performance according to the emotional valence of the task stimuli and tentative explorations into gender differences. The results are discussed in relation to existing evidence and limitations of the research are highlighted.

Finally, the reflective paper comprised a discussion of conducting clinical research as part of clinical training. This includes critique of the term psychopathy and challenges in professional identity.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (DClinPsych)
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Psychology, Pathological, Clinical neuropsychology, Antisocial personality disorders, Psychopaths
Official Date:	May 2016
Dates:	Date Event May 2016 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	DClinPsych
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Hume, Ian D. ; Shaw, Becky, Dr.
Extent:	x, 183 leaves : illustrations (some colour).
Language:	eng

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