As high-profile cases of veteran-involved violence continue to garner attention, researchers and advocates have cautioned public figures against generalizing a risk of violence to veterans, even those with mental health concerns. There is currently limited research on violence risk factors that have been validated within veterans. Psychopathy and antisocial behaviors are commonly associated with violence and aggression in general samples and they may interact with a veteran's life to produce aggression. This study used data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III) to create a propensity matched sample of 3,119 veterans and 3,119 non-veterans, matched on demographic factors, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and childhood family support. Comparing matched samples suggested higher rates of violence within a veteran sample, d = 0.10, p < 0.001, and higher rates of solely adult antisocial personality traits even while controlling for conduct disorder rates, V = 0.04, p = .001, and without differences in antisocial personality disorder rates (including both adult and childhood experiences), V = 0.003, p = .79. No difference in psychopathy rates between the matched groups was detected, d = 0.09, p = .95. Veteran status also interacted with antisocial personality traits, R2 = 0.65, p < 0.001, and overall psychopathy, R2 = .42, p < .001, to produce significant models. Other hypotheses around psychopathy Factors and Facets were explored and implications discussed.
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Title
The Relationship Between Psychopathy, Antisocial Personality Traits, and Violence Among US Veterans
Creators
Daniel Flack
Contributors
David S. DeMatteo (Advisor)
Awarding Institution
Drexel University
Degree Awarded
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Publisher
Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Number of pages
vii, 100 pages
Resource Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Academic Unit
Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
Other Identifier
991019104610304721
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