A Chimpanzee ( <i>Pan troglodytes</i> ) Model of Triarchic Psychopathy Constructs

Abstract

The current work sought to operationalize constructs of the triarchic model of psychopathy in chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes), a species well suited for investigations of basic biobehavioral dispositions relevant to psychopathology. Across three studies, we generated validity evidence for scale measures of the triarchic model constructs in a large sample ( N = 238) of socially housed chimpanzees. Using a consensus-based rating approach, we first identified candidate items for the chimpanzee triarchic (CHMP-Tri) scales from an existing primate personality instrument and refined these into scales. In Study 2, we collected data for these scales from human informants ( N = 301) and examined their convergent and divergent relations with scales from another triarchic inventory developed for human use. In Study 3, we undertook validation work examining associations between CHMP-Tri scales and task measures of approach-avoidance behavior ( N = 73) and ability to delay gratification ( N = 55). Current findings provide support for a chimpanzee model of core dispositions relevant to psychopathy and other forms of psychopathology.