An Analysis of Psychopathy, Substance Use, and Stress

Psychopathy is a complex personality disorder characterized by a number of traits including glibness, superficial charm, pathological lying, and antisocial behaviour (R. Hare, 1991). The current study examined relationships among this variable, substance use disorders (SUD), and stress. Prior research has suggested that these disorders may be interrelated (Z. Walsh, L. C. Allen & D. S. Kosson, 2006). We hypothesized that stress mediates the relationship between psychopathy and SUD. We also hypothesized that the stress and SUD relationship varies by level of psychopathy. Neither of these hypotheses were confirmed; however, this study supports prior findings, which suggest that negative affect is suppressed across factors of the Psychopathy Checklist.Arts and Sciences, Irving K. Barber School of (Okanagan)Psychology, Department of (Okanagan)UnreviewedUndergraduat