From research to practice: a multifaceted and dimensional approach to psychopathy

From research to practice: a multifaceted and dimensional approach to psychopathy Steven W. Steinert, Sneha Shankar, Eamonn P. Arble The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.- This paper aims to evaluate trends in research and clinical practice that may contribute to the limited utility of assessment and treatment modalities designed to capture and address psychopathy. It identifies a lack of consistency between the academic understanding of psychopathy and how the construct is applied in clinical contexts. The authors provide clarity and direction for a more effective application of the psychopathy construct in practical contexts. This review first examines the etiology of important limitations to psychopathy research and practical application, and proposes the adoption of the most recent empirical conceptualization of the construct into practical contexts. It then evaluates the current functionality of psychopathy in practical contexts. The review ultimately proposes a method for designing intervention practices based on the model used in the development of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder, which will improve the practical utility of the construct. The present review provides evidence that a multifaceted and dimensional perspective of psychopathy will improve the practical utility of the construct and help move the field forward. It suggests that considering inde...
Source: Journal of Forensic Practice - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Source Type: research