Cognitions Associated with a Delay of Gratification Task

Abstract

This study investigated the preferences of primary psychopathic (n = 17), secondary psychopathic (n = 20), and nonpsychopathic (n = 16) prisoners for delayed versus immediate rewards. Psychopathy was determined on the basis of a combination of counselors' ratings and T scores on the MMPI Pd scale above 70. Primary versus secondary psychopathy was determined on the basis of scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Scale with low scores on the Trait scale associated with primary psychopathy. Contrary to clinical theory, primary psychopaths chose delayed rewards to the same extent as the other two groups. Furthermore, the results of a questionnaire that surveyed cognitions associated with the choices indicated a neurotic element unique to the secondary psychopaths.