Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale — 26-Item Version

The Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP), developed by Levenson and colleagues in 1995, is a widely used self-report measure of psychopathic traits. Here, psychopathy refers to a set of personality traits, not psychosis. There are two versions: ① The original LSRP-26 contains 26 items and assesses three dimensions: selfishness, callousness, and antisocial behavior. ② The revised LSRP-19, adapted by Shou and colleagues in 2016 for a sample of Chinese university students, selects 19 items from the original scale. It retains the three-factor structure and has better psychometric properties. The LSRP-19 is shorter (19 rather than 26 items), takes less time (about 8 rather than 10 minutes), and is better suited to Chinese university students. The LSRP-26 is the internationally used version and has broader applications. Both cover the same three dimensions and core content; their item counts and wording differ slightly.

The LSRP uses a 4-point response scale (1–4) and includes reverse-scored items. Scoring differs slightly between versions: ① LSRP-19: selfishness has 10 items (10–40 points), callousness has 4 (4–16), and antisocial behavior has 5 (5–20), for a total of 19–76. ② LSRP-26: selfishness has 8 items (8–32), callousness has 5 (5–20), and antisocial behavior has 5 (5–20), for a three-factor total of 18–72. Note that 8 items are excluded from this total. For interpretation, convert the raw score to a percentage: score / maximum score × 100%. Below 40% is described as the normal range, 40–59% as mild traits, 60–74% as moderate traits, and ≥75% as severe traits. Selfishness covers self-centeredness, manipulating others, and using any means to achieve one's aims. Callousness covers a lack of empathy, emotional detachment, and disregard for others' feelings. Antisocial behavior covers impulsivity, aggression, and breaking social norms. The LSRP assesses primary psychopathy (emotional and interpersonal deficits) and secondary psychopathy (impulsivity and antisocial behavior). Different combinations of scores reflect different personality patterns.

These measures serve different purposes. ① The Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R) is a clinician-administered interview tool, regarded as a gold standard in psychopathy assessment and mainly used in forensic and clinical settings. It requires interviews and a review of records. The LSRP relies on self-report, making it easier to administer in large-scale screening and research. ② The Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) uses three dimensions—boldness, meanness, and disinhibition—and emphasizes adaptive fearlessness. The LSRP uses primary and secondary psychopathy and focuses more on maladaptive traits. TriPM has 58 items; the LSRP is shorter. ③ The LSRP's advantages include its 19- or 26-item length, an administration time of 8–10 minutes, suitability for nonclinical samples such as university students and community populations, and Chinese versions with good psychometric properties and normative data. ④ Its limitations include social desirability bias: respondents may be reluctant to acknowledge certain traits. It cannot establish a clinical diagnosis on its own and should be used alongside other assessments. It is useful for research and initial screening, while diagnosis requires a more comprehensive evaluation.

Psychopathic traits are associated with antisocial behavior, but the relationship is not a simple cause-and-effect one. ① An association is not a certainty. Although these traits, especially callousness and antisocial behavior, are statistically linked to antisocial and criminal behavior, not everyone with a high score commits crimes. Most people with higher scores have no criminal record. ② Severity and circumstances matter. Serious antisocial behavior is more likely when traits are extreme and protective factors such as social support, education, and employment are absent. ③ Some traits can be adaptive in particular settings. Goal-directedness and competitiveness within the selfishness dimension, for example, may be strengths in business. ④ Education, stable employment, healthy relationships, and effective emotion regulation can reduce the risk of antisocial behavior. ⑤ Psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, and emotion regulation training can improve behavior and social functioning even when scores are high. A high LSRP score should therefore be treated as a signal that attention and support may be needed, rather than a prediction of crime. If you are concerned about your behavior, consider professional psychological counseling.

The LSRP is intended for adults, particularly university students and community populations. Its applications include: ① Research in personality psychology, criminal psychology, and social psychology. ② Initial screening for personality disorders, especially as an adjunct in assessing antisocial personality disorder. ③ Mental health screening and self-understanding among university students; the LSRP-19 was specifically adapted for Chinese university student samples. ④ Understanding personality patterns, particularly emotional, interpersonal, and behavioral control traits. ⑤ Supplementing forensic assessments of offenders, though it cannot be used alone to assess risk or determine sentencing. ⑥ Helping counseling clients understand their personality patterns and develop individualized intervention plans. Chinese university students are advised to use the LSRP-19 because it was adapted for this population. Other adults, or those comparing results with international research, are advised to use the LSRP-26. The LSRP is a screening tool, not a stand-alone diagnostic instrument. Clinical diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.

Consider professional help if two dimensions score ≥60%, or any one scores ≥75%, suggesting pronounced psychopathic traits. A particularly high callousness score (≥75%) may point to substantial difficulty with empathy and emotional connection. A particularly high antisocial behavior score (≥75%) may point to difficulties with impulse control and behavior management. Support is also appropriate if these traits affect relationships, studies, work, or social functioning; if there is a history of impulsive, aggressive, or unlawful behavior; or if they distress you or others and you want to change but do not know where to start. A mental health professional can offer a comprehensive personality assessment using interviews and other measures, while considering alternative explanations. Therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or mentalization-based treatment (MBT) can help with emotion regulation, empathy, relationship skills, and behavioral control. Social skills training can develop more effective ways of relating to others. Medication may be appropriate for co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance misuse, or ADHD. Although these traits are relatively stable, professional intervention can lead to substantial improvements in behavior and social functioning. Early intervention is more effective; seek help before difficulties become severe.