Criterion Validity of the Psychopathy Checklist in Legal Contexts: An Updated Meta-Analysis

The Psychopathy Checklist (PCL) scales are the most widely used instruments in the assessment of psychopathic personality traits. This updated meta-analysis represents the most extensive synthesis of the PCL scales' criterion validity regarding recidivism and institutional outcomes in legal contexts. According to the results, the PCL total score and Factor 2 criterion validity were moderate and significantly higher for Factor 2 than the total score. The criterion validity of Factor 1 was small and significantly lower than Factor 2 and the total score. The criterion validity of the PCL total score varied considerably between outcomes, with moderate effect sizes for general and violent recidivism, institutional misconduct and violence, and small effect sizes for sexual and intimate partner violence recidivism. A moderator analysis indicated country and sex as the only significant predictors moderating the PCL scales' criterion validity. The total score and Factor 2 were less predictive in the United States than in Canada and Europe for institutional violence. Factor 1 was more predictive in females than males for general and violent recidivism. The present findings may support decision-makers in interpreting the prognostic value and limitations of the PCL scales in the criminal justice system.