The present study examined if psychopathy-like adolescents could be subtyped as the primary psychopaths and secondary psychopaths. The results indicated that indeed the adolescents could be subtyped as such on the basis of the scores on the scales of ...
The present study examined if psychopathy-like adolescents could be subtyped as the primary psychopaths and secondary psychopaths. The results indicated that indeed the adolescents could be subtyped as such on the basis of the scores on the scales of the borderline personality, overt narcissism, covert narcissism, and trait anxiety. In addition, the two subtypes were different on the scores of the Socialization Scale that measures negative childhood experiences, poor school and family adjustment, unstability in interpersonal relations, and general acceptance of social rules and values. In general, these results support Karpman's argument that the primary psychopathy and secondary psychopathy are etiologically different. However, for several reasons, the results of this study should be considered as preliminary evidence that supports the validity of subtyping psychopathy-like adolescents.