NCJ Number
195514
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 46 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2002 Pages: 281-293
Date Published
June 2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article provides a brief overview of the literature on Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), an assessment tool measuring psychopathy and presents an outline of the empirical findings and their implications for treatment planning at a nomothetic level.
Abstract
Psychopathy is defined as a characterological condition where a persistent pattern of antisocial or impulsive behavior is exhibited. An assessment tool for measuring psychopathy, the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) provides valuable data that can inform treatment planning in forensic or correctional treatment settings for offenders regardless of psychopathy level. The PCL-R is a clinical rating scale that requires thorough review of collateral records and an in-depth semistructured interview. The PCL-R is composed of 20 items corresponding to features believed to be present in the prototypical psychopath. In forensic and correctional settings, the need to incorporate psychological assessment data is critical. To aid the clinician in screening and treatment planning, both nomothetic and idiographic interpretations are utilized. The PCL-R is seen as both effective in identifying those at highest risk of disrupting treatment efforts and provides clues to the nonpsychopath’s unique treatment needs. References