Response modulation deficits in psychopaths: A failure to confirm and a reconsideration of the Patterson-Newman model

This study addressed the question of whether psychopathic individuals show a passive avoidance deficit and, if so, what the mediating behavioural mechanisms might be. This was done by modifying the cued reaction time task used in a previous study by Howland, Kosson, Patterson and Newman (1993, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 102, 379–387), such that it comprised a mixed-motive Go/No Go task with monetary punishment of responses to No Go cues. Subjects were 50 inmates of a medium-security Singaporean prison who were assessed for degree and sub-type of psychopathy using the Hare PCL and DIS. Contrary to the model of Patterson and Newman (1993, Psychological Review, 100, 716–736), no evidence was found to support response modulation deficits in psychopathic subjects. More impulsive/psychopathic subjects showed evidence of insensitivity to cues of reward/non-punishment, consistent with a reported active avoidance deficit in psychopaths. Their overall pattern of performance was consistent with a global affective-motivational deficit.