Psychopathic attributes and achievement dispositions in a college sample

A poverty of studies have addressed the relationship between psychopathic attributes and dispositions contributing to individual differences in achievement motivation. The current investigation focused on the relationships among these constructs in a noninstitutionalized population. Multiple regression analyses indicated that hypercompetition (+), personal development competition (−), and self-handicapping (−) were the strongest predictors of primary psychopathy. In contrast, self-handicapping (+), goal engagement (−), and cooperation (−) significantly predicted secondary psychopathy. These findings extend the distinction between primary and secondary psychopathy to achievement dispositions and contribute to an understanding of these attributes as representing dimensions related to successful and unsuccessful achievement outcomes.