(PS11-B39) Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Predict Secondary Psychopathy

Psychopathy has been suggested to be divided into two subtypes (i.e., primary and secondary) due to distinct among etiological, emotional, and biological factors. Primary psychopathy is characterized by lack of empathy, manipulation, superficiality and is associated with neurobiological underpinnings; whereas, secondary psychopathy is characterized by impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and hostility with environmental (e.g., trauma exposure) underpinnings. While psychopathy has been found to be static throughout the lifespan, it is important the possible malleability of secondary psychopathy due to the possibility of prevention of trauma exposure and mitigation of trauma-related symptoms. Although studies have explored psychopathy and trauma exposure, literature has scarcely explored this in the context of experiencing posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Along these lines, traditional treatment for psychopathy has been ineffective in treating psychopathy, mainly secondary psychopathy, highlighting the need to gain a mechanistic understanding for potential treatment targets. Aggressive and impulsive behaviors observed in secondary psychopaths are similar to behavioral correlates of trauma-related hyperarousal, however, this has yet to be formally examined. The purpose of this study is to examine the association of hyperarousal and secondary psychopathy to further understand the connection between trauma and secondary psychopathy. Trauma-exposed young adults (N= 228, Mage= 18.9, 28.9% cisgender male, 61% White) were recruited from a Northeastern university and social media to complete a survey assessing demographic characteristics, psychopathic traits, trauma exposure and PTSS. Several multiple linear regressions indicate PTSS severity predicts secondary psychopathy (b = 0.583, p < 0.001). Specifically, hyperarousal was indicated to uniquely predict secondary psychopathy (b = 0.398, p < 0.001). Hyperarousal is shown to be the most predictive of secondary psychopathy, perhaps due to derailing processes necessary for affective, social, and emotional regulation. Results from this study adds to the current conceptualization of secondary psychopathy development and the connection between PTSD and psychopathy. Future research is needed to further understand the development of secondary psychopathy. Future interventions may benefit from targeting hyperarousal symptoms.