Abstract
Estimated as less than 1% of the general population, psychopaths are responsible for significant amounts of violence. However, few studies have explored psychopathic personality characteristics in non-incarcerated populations, or “hidden” psychopaths. Using the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI), this study evaluated correlations between psychopathic traits and indicators of college maladjustment. We hypothesize that “hidden” college psychopaths are more interpersonally maladjusted than peers, equally successful intellectually, and less impulsive than their incarcerated counterparts. Understanding the differences and similarities between incarcerated and hidden psychopaths may lead to improved recognition and possibly early intervention with these social predators.