Reduced cortical thickness in fronto-temporo-parietal regions associated with high psychopathic traits: Conclusions of a review and an empirical study with intimate partner violence perpetrators

There is a particular interest in establishing the brain correlates of psychopathy, linking variations in thickness and/or volume of specific cortical regions with psychopathic traits, to adequately define this psychological construct. Psychopathy is a risk factor for various forms of violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV). However, little is known about the relationship between cortical thickness and psychopathic traits in men convicted of IPV. Therefore, we initially conducted a review summarizing how variations in thickness or volume of specific cortical regions have been clearly linked to psychopathy. Based on previous conclusions, we assessed the relationship between psychopathic traits (measured using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised) and the thickness of specific cortical regions in a group of IPV perpetrators and controls ( n = 125), controlling potential confounding variables. The second aim was to evaluate whether the association between psychopathy and cortical thickness differed between IPV perpetrators and controls. Our results indicate that, across the entire sample, psychopathic traits were significantly and inversely correlated with thickness in the left orbitofrontal cortex, bilateral superior frontal gyrus, right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, left insula, and right anterior cingulate. These findings partly support previous research in this field. However, the inclusion of group as a moderating variable in the association between psychopathic traits and cortical thickness did not significantly increase the amount of explained variance. This means that the link between these variables was similar in both groups. This study describes which cortical regions seem to be particularly relevant for psychopathy, which might help forensic practice develop accurate profiles by combining psychological and neuroimaging techniques. • There is a particular interest in establishing the brain correlates of psychopathy. • Psychopathy is a risk factor for intimate partner violence. • Little is known about the relationship between cortical thickness and psychopathic traits in men convicted of IPV. • Reduced cortical thickness associated with high psychopathic traits. • Our findings partly support previous research in this field.