PCL-R
Also written as: PCL-R — Psychopathy Checklist-Revised
Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, standardized assessment tool for measuring psychopathic traits.
Full Definition
A 20-item clinical assessment instrument developed by Robert Hare to measure psychopathic personality traits and behaviors. The PCL-R evaluates two main factors: Factor 1 (interpersonal/affective traits including superficial charm, grandiosity, pathological lying, and lack of empathy) and Factor 2 (lifestyle/antisocial traits including impulsivity, irresponsibility, and criminal versatility). Each item is scored 0, 1, or 2 based on interview and file review, with total scores ranging from 0 to 40. A score of 30 or above typically indicates psychopathy. The PCL-R is widely used in forensic settings for risk assessment, treatment planning, and legal proceedings, though its use requires specialized training.
Usage
Usage note: Always include the hyphen and capitalize all letters. Requires specific training for administration.
In Context
- "The defendant's PCL-R score of 32 indicated significant psychopathic traits." — Forensic evaluation report
- "Administration of the PCL-R requires extensive training and adherence to standardized procedures." — Assessment manual