HARE PSYCHOPATHY CHECKLIST REVISED

The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is a diagnostic tool used to rate a person's psychopathic or
antisocial tendencies. People who are psychopathic prey ruthlessly on others using charm, deceit, violence or other
methods that allow them to get with they want. The symptoms of psychopathy include: lack of a conscience or
sense of guilt, lack of empathy, egocentricity, pathological lying, repeated violations of social norms, disregard for
the law, shallow emotions, and a history of victimizing others.

Originally designed to assess people accused or convicted of crimes, the PCL-R consists of a 20-item symptom
rating scale that allows qualified examiners to compare a subject's degree of psychopathy with that of a
prototypical psychopath. It is accepted by many in the field as the best method for determining the presence and
extent of psychopathy in a person.

The Hare checklist is still used to diagnose members of the original population for which it was developed adult
males in prisons, criminal psychiatric hospitals, and awaiting psychiatric evaluations or trial in other correctional
and detention facilities. Recent experience suggests that the PCL-R may also be used effectively to diagnose sex
offenders as well as female and adolescent offenders.

Purpose
The PCL-R is used for diagnosing psychopathy in individuals for clinical, legal or research purposes. Developed in
the early 1990s, the test was originally designed to identify the degree of a person's psychopathic tendencies.
Because psychopaths, however, are often repeat offenders who commit sexual assaults or other violent crimes
again and again, the PCL-R is now finding use in the courtroom and in institutions as an indicator of the potential
risk posed by subjects or prisoners. The results of the examination have been used in forensic settings as a factor in
deciding the length and type of prison sentences and the treatment subjects should or should not receive.

Precautions
Obviously, diagnosing someone as a psychopath is a very serious step. It has important implications for a person
and for his or her associates in family, clinical and forensic settings. Therefore, the test must be administered by
professionals who have been specifically trained in its use and who have a wide-ranging and up-to-date familiarity
with studies of psychopathy.

Professionals who administer the diagnostic examination should have advanced degrees (M.D., Ph.D., or D.Ed.) in a
medical, behavioral or social science field; and registered with a reputable organization that oversees psychiatric or
psychological testing and diagnostic procedures. Other recommendations include experience working with
convicted or accused criminals or several years of some other related on-the-job training. Because the results are
used so often in legal cases, those who administer it should be qualified to serve as expert witnesses in the
courtroom. It is also a good idea, if possible, for two experts to test a subject independently with the PCL-R. The
final rating would then be determined by averaging their scores.

Many studies conducted in North America and Europe attest to the value of the PCL-R for evaluating a person's
degree of psychopathic traits and, in many cases, for predicting the likelihood of future violent behavior. Some
critics, however, are more skeptical about its value.

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Description

The Hare PCL-R contains two parts, a semi-structured interview and a review of the subject's file records and
history. During the evaluation, the clinician scores 20 items that measure central elements of the psychopathic
character. The items cover the nature of the subject's interpersonal relationships; his or her affective or emotional
involvement; responses to other people and to situations; evidence of social deviance; and lifestyle. The material
thus covers two key aspects that help define the psychopath: selfish and unfeeling victimization of other people,
and an unstable and antisocial lifestyle.

The twenty traits assessed by the PCL-R score are:

1. glib and superficial charm

describes individuals who are glib and superficial. These people are very witty and articulate and
they may be quite likeable. They can be funny and entertaining, tell unlikely but convincing stories
that make them look good, and have quick and clever comebacks. Although they may appear to
know a lot about many subjects, they usually only know enough technical jargon to impress some
people. They also generally sound so slick that they come off as not being entirely believable to
some.
2. grandiose (exaggeratedly high) estimation of self
describes individuals who are egocentric and have a grandiose sense of self-worth. They may brag a
lot, be narcissistic, opinionated and self-assured. It is common for these people to aspire to pursue
careers with status, but they have little understanding of the qualifications required to attain such
careers. Their egos are so inflated that instead of being embarrassed about their legal problems,
they view them as being the result of something like bad luck or injustice.
3. need for stimulation
describes individuals who have an excessive need for stimulation and are unusually prone to
becoming bored. These people are risk-takers who seek excitement and go where the action is.
They may frequently move to new residences, change jobs, become alcoholics, use many different
types of drugs and/or commit crimes just for the thrill of it. They will often complain that certain
tasks like school, work, or long-term relationships are too tedious or boring.
4. pathological lying
describes individuals who habitually lie and deceive others, including people they are close to. They
may be proud of these abilities and go so far as to create elaborate stories just for the delight of
fooling people. If they are questioned or caught in a lie, they have explanations and excuses for
everything and are able to quickly change their stories or the subject without appearing
embarrassed or confused.

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5. cunning and manipulativeness
describes individuals who cheat, defraud and/or manipulate others, including people they are close
to. Motivated by a desire for personal gain, such as money, power, sex, and/or status, they will
scam their victims without any concern. Sometimes their behavior will involve breaking the law, but
other times it doesnt.
6. lack of remorse or guilt
describes an individuals who lack remorse or guilt for their criminal and noncriminal actions.
Although they may verbally express that they have remorse, their actions and/or other responses
contradict this. They are concerned with the effects their actions have on them rather than any
suffering they have caused their victims or damage they have done to society. They are unable to
appreciate the seriousness of their actions, blame their victims or society for the circumstances, and
continue to engage in activities that are harmful to others.
7. shallow affect (superficial emotional responsiveness)
describes an individuals who have a shallow affect and lack the ability to experience a normal range
of emotions. Their emotions are generally dramatic, shallow, and short-lived. They may claim to
exhibit strong emotions, but these emotions may not be consistent with their actions or the
situation. They may experience sexual arousal instead of love, frustration instead of sadness, and
irritability instead of anger.
8. callousness and lack of empathy
describes individuals who have a profound lack of empathy and a callous disregard for others. They
view people as objects to be manipulated and are not concerned with the feelings, rights, or welfare
of others. They process the pain and suffering of others on an abstract, intellectual level. They are
selfish and cynical, and do not hesitate at mocking people, including those who have suffered
misfortunes or who have physical and/or mental handicaps.
9. parasitic lifestyle
describes individuals whose financial dependence on others is a part of their lifestyle. These people
are able to work, but have a parasitic pattern of relying on family, friends, and/or social aid for
financial support instead. They get what they want by presenting themselves as helpless, deserving
of sympathy, and by exploiting their victims weaknesses. Others are called upon to support them
and cater to their needs no matter what the cost.
10. poor behavioral controls

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 describes individuals who have poor control over their behavior. These people are easily offended
and can become angry over petty things. They tend to respond to frustration, failure, discipline, and
criticism by becoming verbally abusive and/or violent. They are known to be short-tempered, hot-
headed, suddenly irritable, annoyed and/or impatient. Often their outbursts are short-lived and they
may quickly act as if nothing has happened.
11. sexual promiscuity
describes individuals who have promiscuous, impersonal and/or trivial sexual relationships. They
may have more than one partner at the same time, engage in casual sex, have one-night-stands, use
prostitutes, and/or not discriminate when selecting sexual partners. They might have a history of
coercing others into having sex with them and may also have prior charges for sexual assault.
12. early behavior problems
describes individuals who experienced serious behavioral problems at the age of 12 or younger.
These problems are more severe than those exhibited by most children. Repercussions can include
discipline from schools and/or contact with the police. Some examples of these problems are
persistent lying, cheating, theft, fire-setting, cruelty to animals, truancy, drug-use, vandalism,
violence, bullying, running away from home and/or preconscious sex.
13. lack of realistic long-term goals
describes individuals who are not able or willing to develop and carry out realistic, long-term plans
and/or goals. These people can make short-term goals and tend to live in the present without giving
serious thought to their futures. They dont seem concerned if they have done little with their lives
or are going nowhere in life. They may change their plans frequently and not be interested in having
steady jobs.
14. Impulsivity
describes individuals who acts in impulsive ways. These people dont think before they act and are
known to do things on the spur of the moment just because they feel like it or an opportunity
presented itself. They dont spend much time considering the pros and cons of a situation and will
change plans on a whim without bothering to tell others.
15. Irresponsibility
describes individuals who are irresponsible in a variety of areas. These people have little to no sense
of duty or loyalty to family, friends, employers, societies, ideas, and/or causes. Their irresponsible
behavior is expressed in a variety of ways including engaging in behavior that puts others at risk,

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 poorly managing their finances, having careless or sloppy work behavior, and/or failing to honor
commitments to people in both their personal and professional relationships.
16. failure to accept responsibility for own actions
describes individuals who are unable or unwilling to accept personal responsibility for their actions.
They make excuses for their behavior, including rationalizing it or blaming it on circumstance or
someone else. Sometimes they will accept responsibility in a superficial manner, but they will
minimize or deny the consequences of their behavior.
17. many short-term marital relationships
describes individuals who have had many short-term marital relationships. Live-in relationships that
have involved some degree of commitment, common-law marriages, heterosexual and homosexual
relationships are also included. A score of 2 applies to individuals who have had 3 or more of these
relationships before the age of 30.
18. juvenile delinquency
describes individuals who were delinquent as juveniles. They have a history of serious antisocial
behavior from the age of 17 and younger and have had formal contact with the criminal justice
system.
19. revocation of conditional release
describes individuals who have violated a conditional release or escaped from an institution. They
may have violated the conditions of their parole, probation, restraining orders, bail, and/or have
received new charges while on parole. They may have also escaped from jail or another institution.
A major violation or escape warrants a score of 2.
20. criminal versatility
describes individuals who, while adults, have been charged with many different types of crimes.
Charges can include theft, robbery, assault, fraud, arson, and/or minor charges including vandalism,
causing a disturbance, etc. Six or more types of offenses results in a score of 2.
The interview portion of the evaluation covers the subject's background, including such items as work and
educational history; marital and family status; and criminal background. Because psychopaths lie frequently and
easily, the information they provide must be confirmed by a review of the documents in the subject's case history.

Each of the twenty items are given one of three possible scores which are as follows:

0 - It doesn't apply to the patient at all.

1 - It applies somewhat, meaning the trait is there, but it is not highly dominant in the person.
2 - It fits the person perfectly, it defines dominant traits in character &/or behavior.
The scoring process itself is based on thorough investigation carried out prior to the final scoring assignment.

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Factor 1.

1. glib and superficial charm

2. grandiose (exaggeratedly high) estimation of self
3. need for stimulation
4. pathological lying
5. cunning and manipulativeness
6. lack of remorse or guilt
7. shallow affect (superficial emotional responsiveness)
8. callousness and lack of empathy
Factor 1 Traits

Factor 1 traits are sometimes called 'Classic Psychopathy Characteristics', or 'True Psychopathy Characteristics'.
These are the traits that describe the Psychological, Mental or Emotional Characteristics. They pertain to how the
person feels, his emotional make-up, his thought process and the general mindset resulting of these.

Factor 2.

1. parasitic lifestyle
2. poor behavioral controls
3. sexual promiscuity
4. early behavior problems
5. lack of realistic long-term goals
6. impulsivity
7. irresponsibility
8. failure to accept responsibility for own actions
9. many short-term marital relationships
10. juvenile delinquency
11. revocation of conditional release
12. criminal versatility
Factor 2 traits are sometimes referred to as 'False Psychopathy Characteristics'. These are the traits that describe
an individual's Conduct, his Activities and Demeanor. They pertain to Antisocial Traits, Criminal and Aggressive
Deviant Features in the Individual Lifestyle, Actions and Behavior.

There will be both Factor 1. and Factor 2. traits in a Psychopath.

Generally speaking there will be a heavier leaning towards Factor 1. Traits - the 'True Psychopath' Traits, though
there are those who have equally strong Factor 1. and Factor 2. Traits.

Results

When properly completed by a qualified professional, the PCL-R provides a total score that indicates how closely
the test subject matches the "perfect" score that a classic or prototypical psychopath would rate.

A person who receives a score at or above 30 is considered a psychopath and will receive the
psychopathy diagnosis.
The highest possible score a person can get is 40.
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 The average neurotypical (normal) person receives a score between 3 and 6 (4 being the average
estimate).
The average non-psychopathic criminal receives a score between 16 and 22.
The average criminal Sociopath and/or Antisocial Personality Disordered individual receives a score
between 22 and 26.
The serious criminal Sociopath and/or Antisocial Personality Disordered individual receives a score
between 26 and 29.
Criminal Psychopaths receive a score between 30 and 40.
A non-criminal Psychopath receives a score between 30 and 34.
Approximately 1 in 45 receives a score of 40