Active Projects
PSYCHOPATHY RESEARCH:
1. My dissertation research involves the validation of an MMPI-2 conceptualization of the psychopathic personality form a normal-range personality perspective. We are in the process of developing three psychopathy indices to measure global psychopathy, as well as the two factor scores (affective-interpersonal and social deviance). These three indices will be validated using a variety of non-clinical, outpatient, inpatient, forensic, and correctional samples. Advisor: Yossi Ben-Porath.
2. We are examining the metaphorical representation of morality through a cognitive latency paradigm. We are specifically interested in psychopathy as an individuals differences variable in moderating individuals cognitive representation of affect and morality. Collaborator: Brian Meier.
3. I am in the process of writing a theoretical paper regarding the orbitofrontal cortex as a mechanism in psychopathy and externalizing disorders. Collaborator: Edelyn Verona
PERSONALITY AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY:
1. We are currently designing a study to examine Watson's (2005) hypotheses concerning the structure of the DSM Mood and Anxiety disorders. We hypothesize that it is demoralization (or unpleasantness) rather than negative activation that underlies these disorders and that negative emotionality and positive emotionality differentiates the depressive and anxiety disorders. Advisor: Yossi Ben-Porath.
2. We are currently designing a study to examine the structure of personality and psychopathology through normal and abnormal personality and psychopathology dimensions. We specifically plan to use the Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales and the facets of the NEO Personality Inventory - Revised. Advisor: Mike Bagby.
MMPI-2 RESTRUCTURED CLINICAL (RC) SCALES:
1. We are examining the correlates of the RC Scales in a Batterers Intervention Project to see to what extent they can predict historical information as well as treatment outcome and recidivism. Advisor: Yossi Ben-Porath.
2. A second project concerns the ability of the RC Scales in differentiating between various forms of psychopathology, primarily schizophrenia, depression, and manic bipolar disorder. Advisor: Mike Bagby.
RESPONSE STYLES ON PERSONALITY INVENTORIES:
1. We are clinical utility of the NEO-PI-R validity scales in detecting both under- and over-reporting. Advisor: Mike Bagby.
2. We are currently examining response styles influence MMPI-2 scores across various types of forensic settings (i.e., civil vs. criminal). More specifically, we are finding that in civil settings, the focus tend to primarily be on endorsing test questions that reflect somatic complaints, whereas in criminal settings the focus is on over-endorsing everything, including psychotic and somatic symptoms. Lead Author: Dustin Wygant. Advisor: Yossi Ben-Porath.
3. A third project in this realm concerns the construct validity of the Back-Infrequency (Fb) scale, and its utility when it is differentially elevated to the F scale. Lead Author: Dustin Wygant. Advisor: Jack Graham.