Caveats for the forensic use of the PCL-R with antisocial and psychopathic women

Authors

• Carl B. Gacono, Maverick Psychology Training and Consultation PLLCFollow
• Ted B. Cunliffe, Private PracticeFollow
• Jason M. Smith, Maverick Psychology Training and Consultation, PLLCFollow
• Enna E. Taylor, Private PracticeFollow

Abstract

Special considerations are necessary when assessing antisocial and psychopathic women.  Evident throughout the evaluation process (Cunliffe et al., 2016; Gacono, 2016; Gacono & Meloy, 1994; Gacono & Smith, 2021; Smith et al., 2014, 2021; Taylor, 2015), gender differences suggest the need for modified approaches, shape the transference/countertransference between examinee and examiner, and affect the administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological tests. In this article we summarize Rorschach findings that support the underlying dynamics in antisocial and psychopathic women, discuss the unique aspects of evaluating the female psychopath, and present eight PCL-R items in need of modification for assessing women.

Recommended Citation

Gacono, Carl B.; Cunliffe, Ted B.; Smith, Jason M.; and Taylor, Enna E. (2026) "Caveats for the forensic use of the PCL-R with antisocial and psychopathic women," Archives of Assessment Psychology: Vol. 15, Article 14.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/psyassessment/vol15/iss1/14