The role of psychopathy and aggression dimensions in VR fear responses

Abstract

Introduction: Psychopathic and aggressiveness dimensions are thought to encompass abnormal responses to fear. Primary psychopathy and proactive aggression appear to be fundamentally linked and are expected to showcase overall lower physiological activation and less behavioural inhibition. Secondary psychopathy and reactive aggression also seem to be linked and are expected to showcase the opposing responses. However, the existing literature about these relationships is either scarce or conflicting. Thus, this study aimed to research behavioural and physiological responses to fear, by both dimensions. Methods: In a community sample (n = 72), heart rate, skin conductance level, respiratory sinus arrythmia, and exploration and freezing behaviours were measured during a virtual reality fear task. Dimensions were assessed using the Impulsive Premeditated Aggression Scale and Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale. Linear regressions were conducted to test the hypothesis. Results: Our results revealed no statistically significant prediction of physiological nor behavioural measures, by either psychopathic or aggressiveness dimensions. Exploratory analyses showed that primary psychopathy and proactive aggression predicted lower heart rate in males, and higher percentage of space explored in females. Primary psychopathy was found to be positively and uniquely associated with proactive aggression. Discussion: In general, psychopathic and aggressive dimensions do not appear to directly influence physiological or behavioural responses. Thus, other factors may be involved in moderating these relationships (e.g., sex). Primary psychopathy seems to mainly use aggression premeditatedly. Secondary psychopathy may engage in violence more impulsively, but also present characteristics of deliberateness. Future research directions are discussed.