Do early environmental factors influence the relationship between psychopathy and life outcomes: Longitudinal findings from the Dunedin multidisciplinary health and development study | 2026
Veltman, Emma; Fanti, Kostas A.; Poulton, Richie; Ramrakha, Sandhya; Sellbom, ... Show all » Martin; « Hide
Journal of Criminal Justice, 2026, 107 102760.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2026.102760
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Show abstract » The current study sought to understand whether environmental factors early in development differentiate psychopathic individuals who obtain successful versus unsuccessful life outcomes. In doing so, the study relied upon a large (N = 1037), population representative sample known as the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (Dunedin Study) which afforded the investigation of this relationship over time from birth to age 45. It was hypothesized that the identified environmental factors would explain differences between those high in psychopathy with varying levels of “success” across criminal behavior, wealth, health, and relationship quality outcomes. Using latent class growth and latent profile analysis and multivariate analysis of variance, it was found that less sensitive parent-child interactions, exposure to adverse childhood experiences, lower socioeconomic status and greater peer delinquency were prevalent in individuals high in psychopathy who had poor life outcomes later in life, to a greater extent than for those high in psychopathy who had comparably more favorable outcomes. Recognizing diverse manifestations of psychopathy and broadening definitions of success allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the construct. Addressing socioeconomic disadvantage and providing targeted, early, client-centered interventions may improve life outcomes for those high in psychopathic traits and reduce societal harm.
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