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| REU 2008 - Mentor abstract |
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Christopher Patrick
Psychology
My research is concerned with investigating basic affective and cognitive processes through the use of physiological and behavioral measures, and investigating the role of emotion in psychological disorders. My most recent research has also been using event-related brain potential (ERP) measures, and I have studies underway using brain imaging (fMRI) techniques as well. Other physiological response measures that I use routinely in my research include electrodermal and cardiovascular (heart rate) activity, facial muscle (EMG) response, and post-auricular reflex.
The clinical phenomena that interest me most are psychopathy, antisocial behavior, substance abuse, and pathological fear. I have a particular interest in underlying brain systems involved in processing and reacting to emotional stimuli. A focus of my research over the past several years has been on the eyeblink startle reflex as a measure of the valence (pleasantness) component of emotion. I have been using this tool to investigate abnormalities in the processing of emotional stimuli by psychopathic criminals, with results indicating that the manipulative-remorseless component of psychopathy is associated with a higher threshold for fear reactivity. Recently, we have been investigating the genetic and brain bases of trait fear and fearlessness by testing monozygotic and dizygotic twins recruited from the local community.
Another major focus of my current research is on the externalizing spectrum of adult psychopathology, which encompasses child and adult antisocial behavior as well as alcohol and drug problems. My co-investigators on this project are Robert Krueger and William Iacono. The specific aims of the project are: (1) To develop an integrative model of externalizing problems; (2) To identify biological correlates and determine the brain mechanisms underlying externalizing behavior; and (3) To advance clinical conceptualization and assessment of extreme externalizing individuals who pose a danger to others or themselves. In other research, I am investigating the effects of alcohol on emotional reactivity. This work has led us to theorize that alcohol does not impact emotional response directly, but rather does so through its impact on higher cognitive functions such as attention and memory. Besides helping to elucidate the effects of alcohol on human behavior, this work is serving as a model of disinhibitory processes associated with externalizing disorders.
Finally, in addition to studies of on-line emotional processing, I am interested in studying emotion-related personality traits using self-report and observer rating measures. A major focus has been on the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (Tellegen, 1982), which assesses temperament-related personality traits. I have collaborated with Professor Tellegen on the development of an abbreviated form of this instrument for research screening purposes, and am currently working with him on an easy-reading version for children and adolescents. My interests in the personality area include trait correlates of psychopathy, antisociality, aggression, and alcohol abuse.
- Patrick, C. J., Hicks, B. M., Krueger, R. F., & Lang, A. R. (2005). Relations between psychopathy facets and externalizing in a criminal offender sample. Journal of Personality Disorders, 19, 339-356.
- Blonigen, D. M., Hicks, B. M., Patrick, C. J., Krueger, R. F., Iacono, W. G., & McGue, M. K. (2005). Psychopathic personality traits: Heritability and genetic overlap with internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Psychological Medicine, 35, 637-648.
- Benning, S. D., Patrick, C. J., & Iacono, W. G. (2005). Fearlessness and underarousal in psychopathy: Startle blink modulation and electrodermal reactivity in a young adult male community sample. Psychophysiology, 42, 753-762.
- Patrick, C. J. (2006). Handbook of psychopathy. New York: Guilford Press.
- Patrick, C. J., Bernat, E., Malone, S. M., Iacono, W. G., Krueger, R. F., & McGue, M. K. (2006). P300 amplitude as an indicator of externalizing in adolescent males. Psychophysiology, 43, 84-92.
- Patrick, C. J. (2006). Handbook of psychopathy. New York: Guilford Press.
- Patrick, C. J., Edens, J. F., Poythress, N., Lilienfeld, S. O., & Benning, S. D. (2006). Construct validity of the PPI two-factor model with offenders. Psychological Assessment, 18, 204-208.
- Verona, E., Hicks, B. M., & Patrick, C. J. (2006). Psychopathy and suicidal behavior in female offenders: Mediating influences of temperament and abuse history. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73, 1065-1073.
- Patrick, C. J., and Patrick, D. L. (2007). The third degree: Uncovering the truth in ‘24’. In R. Miniter & L. Wilson (Eds.), Jack Bauer for President: Terrorism and Politics in 24 (pp. 87-102). Dallas, TX: BenBella Books.
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