Psychopathy and developmental trauma V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Psychopathy and developmental trauma: Is there an association?
IRAS ID
213204
Contact name
Jane Ireland
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Merseycare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 27 days
Research summary
Research on psychopathy and trauma yields contradictory findings. As a consequence, little consensus about the relationship between the two exists, certainly in relation to the trauma that occurs in formative years. The proposed research aims to utilise a Delphi method (part A) to examine in detail the potential relationship between psychopathy and trauma. This method will use experts (academics and practitioners) as the sample group and gather information using questionnaires to reach a consensus of opinion regarding the research topic. Please refer to A13 for more detailed information about recruitment for part A of the study. At each round of the Delphi, information is collected and arising themes examined using thematic analysis to look for potential differences between themes and between expert groups. \nIn addition to the Delphi, a sample of patient files (part B) will be accessed that include psychopathy scores (total and facet scores using the PCL-R) and details of adverse life experiences that would meet the qualifying criteria to consider a trauma diagnosis using ICD-10/DSM-V. Trauma will not be assessed with patients directly in the current study, with the focus solely on whether or not the qualifying criteria would be met. The patient file trawl would aim to give a further dimension to the research findings by including ecologically valid data as well as academic and practitioner opinions. This research is innovative in design and vital to further understanding what, if any, relationship exists between psychopathy and trauma.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0665
Date of REC Opinion
12 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion