Using the psychopathy checklist-revised with female samples: Reliability, validity, and implications for clinical utility

Since the introduction of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised in 1991 (PCL-R), numerous studies have examined the reliability and validity of this assessment instrument in sampler of institutionalized and noninstitutionalized females. We reviewed there data to determine the current state of PCL-R psychopathy assessment in females and to guide a discussion of the clinical utility of the PCL-R in female samples. Here we discuss issues generated by existing data and offer specific research suggestions. This review shows that there is support for the mearure's reliability in women and modest support for its validity. However, studies of the predictive utility and the factor structure of the PCL-R in women are required to demonstrate the generalizability of PCL-R psychopathy to women.