Construct Validity of the Three-Factor Model of the Interpersonal Measure of Psychopathy

Abstract

Research suggests that ratings of interpersonal behaviors during semi-structured interviews provide valid ratings of the interpersonal component of psychopathy. Prior research suggests that Interpersonal Measure of Psychopathy (IM-P) ratings are underlain by three correlated dimensions: Dominance, Grandiosity, and Boundary Violations. We examined the construct validity of the factors in a sample of 1,243 male jail inmates. Regressions indicated distinct relationships between the three IM-P factor scores and clinically relevant external correlates, after controlling for Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R) Factor Two (F2) scores. Dominance was uniquely associated with cocaine and alcohol dependence. Grandiosity demonstrated a pattern of unique positive relationships with intelligence and achievement and negative relationships with negative emotionality suggestive of the nomological network identified for boldness. Boundary Violations was the only factor uniquely associated with three distinct measures of criminal conduct. This pattern of results suggests that each IM-P factor may reflect a distinct facet of the interpersonal component of psychopathy.