What is psychopathy, and what are its core characteristics according to the provided text?

Psychopathy, also known as psychopathic personality, is a personality construct characterized by a lack of empathy and remorse, persistent antisocial behavior, and traits such as boldness, disinhibition, and egocentrism. These traits are often concealed by superficial charm and an immunity to stress, creating an outward appearance of normalcy.

What historical figures influenced the initial diagnostic criteria for psychopathy in the DSM?

American psychiatrist Hervey M. Cleckley and American psychologist George E. Partridge were influential in shaping the initial diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality reaction/disturbance, which are related to psychopathy.

How is psychopathy assessed in criminal justice settings, and what is its status as a formal diagnosis?

Assessments of psychopathic characteristics are widely used in criminal justice settings in some nations, notably with tools like the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL). However, no major psychiatric or psychological organization has officially sanctioned 'psychopathy' as a standalone diagnosis.

What are the three core traits proposed in Cooke and Michie's three-factor model of psychopathy?

Cooke and Michie's model identifies three core traits: an arrogant and deceitful interpersonal style (including superficial charm, inflated self-worth, pathological lying, and manipulation), deficient affective experience (lack of remorse, shallow affect, callousness, lack of empathy, and failure to accept responsibility), and an impulsive and irresponsible lifestyle (impulsivity, sensation-seeking, unreliability, parasitic lifestyle, and lack of long-term goals).

How does the trait of low anxiety or fearlessness manifest in individuals with psychopathy?

Cleckley's original description included an absence of nervousness and neurotic disorders. Later theorists noted that psychopaths are often described as fearless or thick-skinned. While not always explicitly measured, features like self-assurance, unrealistic optimism, brazenness, and imperturbability in the PCL-R scoring can reflect this low anxiety or fearlessness.

What is the relationship between psychopathy scores and criminal behavior, according to studies on prisoner samples?

Studies show that psychopathy scores, particularly as measured by the PCL-R, are correlated with crime. Prisoner samples in North America have shown average PCL-R scores around 22.1, with a significant percentage scoring 30 or higher. These scores also correlate with repeated imprisonment, higher security classifications, disciplinary infractions, and substance misuse.

What did meta-analyses reveal about the predictive power of psychopathy scores for institutional misbehavior and post-release outcomes?

Meta-analyses indicate small to moderate effect sizes for PCL-R scores predicting institutional misbehavior, post-release crime, and post-release violent crime. The predictive link is stronger for factors related to impulsive behaviors and past criminal history, while core personality aspects of psychopathy show weaker predictive links on their own.

Is psychopathy synonymous with violence, or are they dissociable concepts?

While studies suggest a strong correlation between psychopathy scores and violence, researchers note that psychopathy is dissociable from violence and not synonymous with it. This means that while many individuals with psychopathy may exhibit violent behavior, not all violence is committed by psychopaths, and not all individuals with psychopathy are violent.

What type of aggression is psychopathy associated with, and what are its characteristics?

Psychopathy is associated with instrumental aggression, also known as predatory, proactive, or 'cold-blooded' aggression. This type of aggression is characterized by reduced emotion and is conducted with a goal that is facilitated by the commission of harm, rather than being driven by immediate emotional reactivity.

How does psychopathy relate to domestic violence?

Studies indicate that abusers in domestic violence situations have high rates of psychopathy, estimated between 15-30%. The core characteristics of psychopathy, such as callousness and remorselessness, are thought to predispose individuals to committing domestic abuse, which may be perpetrated callously rather than out of emotional aggression.

What did a systematic review find regarding the effectiveness of the PCL in predicting violence compared to other tools?

A systematic review found that the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL) performed the poorest out of nine tools for predicting violence. Other risk assessment instruments were found to be as accurate, and often easier, quicker, and less expensive to administer.

What traits common to some serial killers are consistent with psychopathic behavior, according to the FBI?

According to the FBI, psychopathic behavior is consistent with traits such as sensation seeking, a lack of remorse or guilt, impulsivity, a need for control, and predatory behavior, which are commonly observed in some serial killers.

What is the association between psychopathy and sexual offending?

Psychopathy has been linked to sexual crime, with some research suggesting a correlation with a preference for violent sexual behavior. Studies have found that psychopathy is associated with more offenses among child molesters and that higher psychopathy scores correlate with sadistic violence in sexual murderers.

What is the PCL:YV, and how is it used?

The PCL:YV (Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version) is an adaptation of the PCL-R designed for individuals aged 13 to 18 years. It is administered by trained raters using interviews and reviews of records, similar to the PCL-R.

What are the three factors identified in psychopathic traits in youth?

Psychopathic traits in youth typically comprise three factors: callous/unemotional traits, narcissism, and impulsivity/irresponsibility.

What is the relationship between early negative life events and the emotion-based aspects of psychopathy?

There is a positive correlation between early negative life events, particularly in the ages of 0-4, and the emotion-based aspects of psychopathy.

What did studies find regarding the predictive ability of adolescent psychopathy scores for adult offending?

Studies have shown that while adolescent psychopathy scores have some predictive ability for adult offending, the correlations are considerably lower from mid-adolescence to adulthood. For instance, less than a third of adolescents scoring in the top 5% for psychopathy at age 13 were classified as psychopathic at age 24.

How is conduct disorder related to psychopathy?

Conduct disorder, characterized by a pattern of antisocial behavior in childhood or adolescence, is considered a potential precursor to ASPD and psychopathy. Some researchers speculate that subtypes of conduct disorder indicate different developmental pathways toward adult psychopathy.

What does the DSM-5 specifier for 'callous and unemotional traits' in conduct disorder suggest about psychopathy?

The DSM-5 includes a specifier for conduct disorder with a callous, unemotional interpersonal style. This specifier is based on research suggesting that individuals with these traits may have a more severe form of the disorder, an earlier onset, and a different response to treatment, potentially aligning with adult primary psychopathy.

What brain regions are associated with specific learning impairments in psychopathy?

Dysfunctions in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala regions of the brain have been associated with specific learning impairments in psychopathy. Damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which regulates the amygdala, is linked to characteristics seen in psychopathic individuals.

What is the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychopathic behavior?

Since the 1980s, scientists have linked traumatic brain injury, particularly damage to the prefrontal cortex (including the orbitofrontal cortex), with psychopathic behavior and impaired decision-making. This condition, sometimes termed 'acquired sociopathy' or 'pseudopsychopathy', can lead to difficulties in acquiring social and moral knowledge.

What has research indicated about the link between psychopathy and intelligence?

While some studies suggested inverse relationships, a large body of literature indicates at most a weak association between psychopathy and intelligence (including verbal IQ). Early conceptualizations that included high intelligence were likely due to selection bias, as there's no clear theoretical reason for a strong link.

How does psychopathy affect emotion recognition and empathy?

Research suggests psychopathy is associated with atypical responses to distress cues from others, specifically impaired emotional empathy in recognizing and responding to facial expressions, body gestures, and vocal tones of various emotions. This may be due to decreased activation in certain brain regions like the fusiform and extrastriate cortical regions.

What has been observed regarding the amygdala size and its relation to psychopathy?

Studies have indicated that an approximately 18% smaller amygdala size in individuals with psychopathy contributes to lower emotional sensation, particularly concerning fear and sadness, which may explain their reduced empathy.

What is the connection between psychopathy and moral judgment?

Psychopathy has been associated with amorality, meaning a disregard for moral beliefs. Studies on moral reasoning have yielded mixed results, but some suggest psychopaths rate personal moral transgressions and rule-breaking as equally severe, unlike non-psychopaths, possibly reflecting a failure to appreciate the emotional impact on victims.

What is the etymological origin of the word 'psychopathy'?

The word 'psychopathy' originates from the Greek words 'psyche' (soul) and 'pathos' (suffering or feeling). The term was first documented in Germany in 1847 as 'psychopatisch'.

How did the term 'psychopathy' evolve in the 19th and 20th centuries?

Initially used broadly for various dysfunctional behaviors, 'psychopathy' gained traction with Koch's concept of 'psychopathic inferiority' in Germany. In the US, figures like Cleckley influenced diagnostic criteria, leading to the development of ASPD, while Robert D. Hare later re-popularized the construct in criminology with his Psychopathy Checklist.

What is the difference between 'psychopathy' and 'sociopathy' according to some researchers like Robert Hare?

While often used interchangeably, Robert Hare suggests 'sociopathy' is preferred by those who believe the causes are primarily social or environmental, whereas 'psychopathy' is preferred by those who believe psychological, biological, and genetic factors are also involved. Hare also defined psychopathy as lacking empathy or morality, while sociopathy only differed in the sense of right and wrong.

What was Hervey Cleckley's influential concept of psychopathy presented in 'The Mask of Sanity'?

In 'The Mask of Sanity' (1941), Hervey Cleckley described psychopathy using the metaphor of a 'mask' to represent the tendency of individuals with psychopathy to appear normal and well-adjusted, while their actions reveal underlying pathology. He formulated sixteen criteria for psychopathy, emphasizing traits like superficial charm, lack of remorse, and poor behavioral control.

How did the DSM's diagnostic categories for antisocial behavior evolve in relation to psychopathy?

Early DSM editions included 'sociopathic personality disturbances,' which later evolved into 'antisocial personality disorder' (ASPD). While ASPD and DPD (in ICD) are stated to encompass or refer to psychopathy, neither manual officially includes 'psychopathy' as a distinct diagnosis, partly due to measurement challenges.

What are the three traits identified in the triarchic model of psychopathy?

The triarchic model proposes three traits: Boldness (low fear, stress tolerance, high self-confidence), Disinhibition (poor impulse control, lack of affect control, poor behavioral restraints), and Meanness (lack of empathy, disdain for close attachments, cruelty for empowerment, exploitative tendencies).

How is psychopathy conceptualized as a hybrid condition?

Psychopathy is conceptualized as a hybrid condition combining outward superficial charm, poise, emotional resilience, and venturesomeness with deep-seated affective disturbances and impulse control deficits. This perspective suggests psychopathy may be linked to some interpersonally successful outcomes, such as leadership or business accomplishments.

What did studies on the latent structure of psychopathy measurements like the PPI and PCL-R conclude?

Studies using statistical analyses on PPI and PCL-R scores have suggested that psychopathy may have a dimensional latent structure, similar to depression, rather than being a discrete category or taxon. This implies that individuals are 'relatively psychopathic' rather than fitting into a strict 'psychopath' label.

What personality dimensions have been linked to psychopathy?

Psychopathy has been linked to personality dimensions such as high antagonism, low conscientiousness, and low anxiousness. It has also been associated with high psychoticism, particularly aspects related to lack of socialization, impulsivity, and aggression.

How do psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism relate to each other?

Psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism are often grouped as the 'dark triad' due to shared characteristics like a callous-manipulative interpersonal style. While they overlap, psychopaths are often described as more reckless, and Machiavellianism may involve greater adaptability in reappraising situations.

What criticisms have been leveled against current conceptions of psychopathy?

Current conceptions of psychopathy have been criticized for being poorly conceptualized, subjective, and encompassing a wide variety of underlying disorders. Some argue that the diagnosis 'psychopathy' can hinder understanding of criminality and violence, potentially masking other conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

What did Dorothy Otnow Lewis suggest about the diagnosis of psychopathy?

Dorothy Otnow Lewis suggested that the concept of 'psychopathy' and its synonyms are 'lazy diagnoses' that can obscure underlying conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, dissociative identity disorder, and brain damage, which her team uncovered in offenders dismissed as psychopaths.

What is the proposed interaction between genetic predispositions and adverse environments in the cause of psychopathy?

Proponents of the triarchic model suggest that psychopathy arises from an interaction between genetic predispositions and adverse environmental factors. The specific nature of what constitutes an 'adverse' environment may differ based on an individual's predisposition, such as how someone with high boldness might respond differently to punishment versus rewards.

What have genetically informed studies found regarding the heritability of psychopathic traits?

Genetically informed studies have found moderate genetic influences on the personality characteristics typical of psychopathy. For example, 'callous-unemotional traits' in children have shown heritability estimates of over 60%, with conduct disorder in children possessing these traits having higher heritability than in those without them.

What environmental factors have been identified as potential contributors to psychopathy?

Environmental factors linked to psychopathy include having a convicted parent, experiencing physical neglect, low paternal involvement, low family income, disrupted family life, poor supervision, abuse, harsh discipline, large family size, delinquent siblings, and young or depressed mothers.

How is brain injury, particularly to the prefrontal cortex, linked to psychopathic behavior?

Damage to the prefrontal cortex, especially the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, is linked to psychopathic behavior. This damage can impair the ability to regulate emotions, make socially acceptable decisions, and develop social or moral reasoning, leading to characteristics like aggression without guilt or empathy.

What evolutionary explanations have been proposed for psychopathy?

Evolutionary psychology suggests that psychopathy might be a frequency-dependent, socially parasitic strategy that thrives when there are enough altruistic individuals to exploit. Additionally, traits like promiscuous sexuality associated with psychopathy might offer reproductive advantages.

What psychological mechanisms are thought to be involved in psychopathy?

Laboratory research suggests psychological mechanisms in psychopathy include atypical responses to aversive stimuli, weak conditioning to painful stimuli, poor learning of avoidance responses to punishment, and low autonomic reactivity. Some studies also indicate reduced reactivity to pleasurable stimuli and difficulty switching actions despite environmental cues.

What neurological findings are associated with psychopathy?

Neuroimaging studies have identified structural and functional differences in individuals with psychopathy, particularly in brain areas controlling emotions, social interactions, and decision-making, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate cortex, striatum, insula, and frontal and temporal cortices. Altered white matter integrity connecting the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex has also been observed.

What biochemical factors have been theorized to contribute to psychopathy?

Biochemical theories suggest that high levels of testosterone combined with low levels of cortisol or serotonin might contribute to psychopathy. Testosterone is linked to reward sensitivity and fear reduction, while dysregulation of serotonin may lead to low cortisol levels, impacting aversion learning and disinhibited behavior.

What is the 'gold standard' tool for assessing psychopathy, and what criticisms does it face?

The Psychopathy Checklist, Revised (PCL-R), developed by Robert D. Hare, is widely used and often considered the 'gold standard' for assessing psychopathy. However, it faces criticisms regarding its theoretical basis, real-world usage, subjectivity of some items, and potential for rater bias.

How does the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI) differ from the PCL-R?

The PPI was developed for non-clinical samples and focuses on personality traits without explicitly referencing antisocial or criminal behaviors, unlike the PCL-R. The PPI's item scores group into factors like Fearless Dominance and Impulsive Antisociality, plus Coldheartedness.

What is the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM)?

The Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) is a 58-item self-report assessment that measures psychopathy based on the triarchic model's traits: Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition. Each trait is measured on separate subscales, contributing to an overall psychopathy score.

What is the DSM-5's approach to measuring psychopathic traits?

The DSM-5 introduced an 'Alternative Model for Personality Disorders' (AMPD) which includes a specifier for 'Antisocial PD with psychopathic features.' This specifier is modeled on traits like Fearless Dominance and aims to capture psychopathic tendencies within the broader context of personality pathology.

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What is Psychopathy?

A Personality Construct

Psychopathy, or psychopathic personality, is a personality construct characterized by impaired empathy and remorse, persistent antisocial behavior, along with bold, disinhibited, and egocentric traits. These characteristics are often masked by superficial charm and immunity to stress, creating an outward appearance of normalcy.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Historical Context

Influential figures like Hervey M. Cleckley and George E. Partridge shaped early diagnostic criteria. While the DSM and ICD do not officially recognize "psychopathy" as a diagnosis, they include related concepts like Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and Dissocial Personality Disorder (DPD). Canadian psychologist Robert D. Hare later re-popularized the construct in criminology with his Psychopathy Checklist.^[11]^[15]

Legal and Public Perception

Although not a formal clinical diagnosis, assessments of psychopathic traits are widely used in criminal justice settings, impacting legal decisions. The term is also prevalent in popular culture and fictional portrayals, often leading to confusion with psychosis.^[20]

Core Traits

Interpersonal Style

Characterized by an arrogant and deceitful interpersonal style, including impression management, superficial charm, an inflated sense of self-worth, pathological lying, and manipulation for personal gain.^[22]^[23]

Affective Deficits

A core feature is the deficient affective experience, marked by a lack of remorse or guilt, shallow affect (coldness and unemotionality), callousness, and a profound lack of empathy.^[22]

Lifestyle and Impulsivity

An impulsive and irresponsible lifestyle is typical, encompassing poor impulse control, sensation-seeking, unreliable behavior, a financially parasitic existence, and a lack of realistic long-term goals.^[22]

Fearlessness

A notable trait is low anxiety and fearlessness, often described as being "fearless" or "thick-skinned." This is associated with self-assurance, optimism, brazenness, and imperturbability, potentially linked to neurological differences.^[27]^[28]

Offending Behavior

Correlation with Crime

Psychopathy is strongly correlated with crime, violence, and antisocial behavior. High scores on measures like the PCL-R are found in criminal populations and are associated with repeated imprisonment, disciplinary infractions, and substance misuse.^[37]^[38]

Violence and Aggression

While psychopathy is associated with violence, it is not synonymous with it. It is often linked to instrumental aggression (predatory, proactive) rather than reactive aggression. However, the relationship is complex, with some studies showing that core psychopathic traits have weaker predictive links to violence than antisocial history.^[12]^[40]

Sexual Offending

Psychopathy has been associated with sexual crime, particularly with a preference for violent sexual behavior and sadistic tendencies. However, its predictive ability for sexual recidivism is debated, and some studies suggest it is more strongly linked to non-sexual offenses.^[55]^[57]

White-Collar Crime

Some individuals with psychopathic traits may exhibit "successful psychopathy," expressing antisocial behavior covertly through social manipulation or white-collar crime, potentially achieving social success without extensive criminal histories.^[64]

Childhood Precursors

Developmental Pathways

Symptoms of psychopathy can be identified in youth with conduct disorder. Childhood onset of conduct disorder, particularly when combined with callous-unemotional traits, is associated with more severe outcomes and potential adult psychopathy.^[21]^[12]

Environmental Factors

Early life experiences, such as parental rejection, abuse, neglect, and disruptive family environments, are correlated with the development of psychopathic traits. These factors may mediate the relationship between genetic predispositions and behavioral outcomes.^[70]^[154]

Neurological Links

Damage to brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, often resulting from traumatic brain injury or developmental issues, is implicated in the emergence of psychopathic behavior, particularly affecting moral reasoning and emotional regulation.^[76]

Cognitive & Emotional Traits

Brain Functionality

Neuroimaging studies reveal structural and functional differences in individuals with psychopathy, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. These areas are crucial for emotional processing, empathy, and decision-making, suggesting a neurological basis for psychopathic traits.^[169]^[12]

Empathy and Emotion Recognition

A significant deficit in emotional empathy is observed, manifesting as impaired recognition of facial expressions, body language, and vocal tones associated with distress, fear, and sadness. This may stem from reduced activation in specific brain regions.^[81]^[21]

Moral Judgment

Psychopathy is associated with amorality and difficulties in moral reasoning. Individuals may rate moral transgressions and accidents differently, often showing less concern for the emotional impact on victims, potentially due to impaired empathy.^[94]^[95]

Intelligence and Cognition

While early conceptions suggested a link between psychopathy and intelligence, current research indicates at most a weak association. Different aspects of intelligence may relate differently to various psychopathic traits, and there is no clear theoretical reason for a strong correlation.^[19]^[79]

Causation Factors

Genetic Influences

Behavioral genetic studies indicate moderate genetic influences on personality characteristics associated with psychopathy. Heritability estimates for traits like callous-unemotionality are substantial, suggesting a significant genetic contribution to the development of psychopathy.^[12]^[153]

Environmental Factors

Adverse environmental stressors, including childhood neglect, abuse, and disrupted family dynamics, play a role. These factors interact with genetic predispositions, influencing the expression of psychopathic traits.^[6]^[12]

Biochemical Factors

Biochemical theories suggest potential contributions from hormonal imbalances (e.g., testosterone, cortisol) and neurotransmitter dysregulation (e.g., serotonin, dopamine). These factors may influence aggression, impulsivity, and emotional processing.^[177]^[178]

Brain Injury

Damage to specific brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex (e.g., ventromedial prefrontal cortex) and amygdala, is linked to acquired sociopathy or pseudopsychopathy. Such injuries can impair emotional regulation, moral judgment, and social behavior.^[85]^[156]

Diagnosis and Measurement

Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R)

The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), developed by Robert D. Hare, is a widely used assessment tool based on Cleckley's criteria. It evaluates interpersonal, affective, lifestyle, and antisocial factors, often considered the "gold standard" in research and forensic settings.^[79]^[197]

Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI)

The PPI is a self-report measure designed to assess psychopathic personality traits without direct reference to criminal behavior. It comprises factors like Fearless Dominance and Impulsive Antisociality, often used with non-clinical samples.^[204]

Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM)

The TriPM assesses psychopathy through three core traits: Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition. It integrates components from other measures, highlighting the social and interpersonal implications of the construct.^[205]

DSM and ICD

While psychopathy is not a formal diagnosis in the DSM or ICD, related concepts like Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) are included. The DSM-5's Alternative Model for Personality Disorders offers a specifier for ASPD "With psychopathic features," reflecting research on the construct.^[212]

Comorbidity

Personality Disorders

Psychopathy shows significant comorbidity with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). Associations are also noted with narcissistic, histrionic, borderline, paranoid, and schizoid personality disorders, often linked to egocentrism and interpersonal deficits.^[38]^[118]

Other Conditions

Co-occurrence with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders is common, potentially mediated by executive function deficits. Anxiety disorders may also be present, particularly related to the antisocial aspects of psychopathy.^[217]^[40]

Sex Differences

Male Manifestations

Research, largely based on male samples, suggests psychopathy in men often manifests as externalizing behaviors, including antisocial patterns and aggression. Men tend to score higher on psychopathy measures than women.^[12]

Female Manifestations

In women, psychopathy may present more as internalizing behaviors or histrionic patterns. The predictive validity of psychopathy measures for violence and recidivism may be lower in females, though associations with suicide and internalizing symptoms might be stronger.^[12]^[228]

Management and Treatment

Treatment Challenges

Psychopathy is considered highly refractory, with individuals often lacking motivation for treatment and being uncooperative. Current therapeutic approaches have yielded disappointing results, with some evidence suggesting psychotherapy might enhance manipulative skills rather than reduce antisocial behavior.^[231]^[233]

Legal and Forensic Context

In legal settings, psychopathy assessments (e.g., PCL-R) are used for risk assessment, treatment potential evaluation, and decisions regarding bail, sentencing, and parole. However, criticisms exist regarding reliability, subjectivity, and the pessimism surrounding prognosis.^[12]^[13]

Focus on Behavior Management

While core character deficits are considered incorrigible, management strategies focus on reducing antisocial and criminal behavior. Interventions emphasizing self-interest and the tangible benefits of prosocial behavior, along with reward-based systems, show some promise in institutional settings.^[237]

Prognosis

Generally Poor Outlook

The prognosis for psychopathy is considered poor, particularly regarding the core personality traits. While some studies suggest improvements in reducing criminal behavior through specific interventions, the fundamental affective and interpersonal deficits remain highly resistant to change.^[12]^[198]

Prevalence

Community and Forensic Samples

Community prevalence estimates for psychopathy vary, with studies reporting figures around 0.1% to 1.2% depending on the criteria and sample. In forensic and criminal justice settings, prevalence rates are significantly higher, often exceeding 20% in offender populations.^[40]^[248]

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References

O'Toole, Mary Ellen; Matt Logan; Sharon Smith. "Looking Behind the Mask: Implications for Interviewing Psychopaths". FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, July 2012, p. 14.

Hinshaw, S. P., & Lee, S. S. (2003). Conduct and oppositional defiant disorders. In E. J. Mash & R. A. Barkley (Eds.), Child psychopathology (pp. 144-198). New York: Guilford Press.

The Shadow Warriors: OSS and the Origins of the CIA Bradley F Smith. Times Books. 1983

Yildirim, BariÅ O., and Jan JL Derksen. "Clarifying the heterogeneity in psychopathic samples: Towards a new continuum of primary and secondary psychopathy." Aggression and Violent Behavior 24 (2015): 9-41.

Miller, Joshua D.; Hyatt, Courtland S.; Maples-Keller, Jessica L.; Carter, Nathan T.; Lynam, Donald R. (2017). "Psychopathy and Machiavellianism: A Distinction Without a Difference?". Journal of Personality. 85 (4): 439â453.

Benning, S. D., Patrick, C. J., Hicks, B. M., Blonigen, D. M., & Krueger, R. F. (2003). Factor structure of the psychopathic personality inventory: validity and implications for clinical assessment. Psychological assessment, 15(3), 340.

Kastner, Rebecca M., Martin Sellbom, and Scott O. Lilienfeld. "A comparison of the psychometric properties of the psychopathic personality inventory full-length and short-form versions." Psychological Assessment 24, no. 1 (2012): 261.

Walker, Sarah A., et al. "Primary and secondary psychopathy relate to lower cognitive reappraisal: A meta-analysis of the Dark Triad and emotion regulation processes." Personality and Individual Differences 187 (2022): 111394.

Wai, M., & Tiliopoulos, N. (2012). The affective and cognitive empathic nature of the dark triad of personality. Personality and individual differences, 52(7), 794-799.

Glenn, A. L., & Sellbom, M. (2015). Theoretical and empirical concerns regarding the dark triad as a construct. Journal of personality disorders, 29(3), 360-377.

Patrick, C., Venables, N. C., & Skeem, J. (2012). Psychopathy and brain function: Empirical findings and legal implications. Psychopathy and law: A practitioner's guide, 39-77.

Patrick, C. J. (2018). Cognitive and emotional processing in psychopathy. In C. J. Patrick (Ed.), Handbook of psychopathy 2nd edition (ch. 18, pp. 422â455). The Guilford Press.

Hicks, B. M., & Drislane, L. E. (2018). Variants ("subtypes") of psychopathy. In C. J. Patrick (Ed.), Handbook of psychopathy 2nd edition (ch. 13, pp. 297â332). The Guilford Press.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Psychopathy Wikipedia page

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Psychopathy Unveiled

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is Psychopathy? ℹ️

👤 A Personality Construct

📜 Historical Context

⚖️ Legal and Public Perception

Core Traits traits

🎭 Interpersonal Style

💔 Affective Deficits

⚡ Lifestyle and Impulsivity

🛡️ Fearlessness

Offending Behavior ⚖️

🔗 Correlation with Crime

💥 Violence and Aggression

🔪 Sexual Offending

🏢 White-Collar Crime

Childhood Precursors 👶

📈 Developmental Pathways

trauma Environmental Factors

🧠 Neurological Links

Cognitive & Emotional Traits 💡

🧠 Brain Functionality

😔 Empathy and Emotion Recognition

⚖️ Moral Judgment

🤔 Intelligence and Cognition

Causation Factors 🔬

🧬 Genetic Influences

🌳 Environmental Factors

🧪 Biochemical Factors

🤕 Brain Injury

Diagnosis and Measurement 🔍

📋 Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R)

📊 Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI)

📐 Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM)

📚 DSM and ICD

Comorbidity ➕

🔗 Personality Disorders

❓ Other Conditions

Sex Differences 🚻

♂️ Male Manifestations

♀️ Female Manifestations

Management and Treatment 🧑‍⚕️

⚠️ Treatment Challenges

⚖️ Legal and Forensic Context

🎯 Focus on Behavior Management

Prognosis 📉

😥 Generally Poor Outlook

Prevalence 🔢

🌍 Community and Forensic Samples

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is Psychopathy?

A Personality Construct

Historical Context

Legal and Public Perception

Core Traits

Interpersonal Style

Affective Deficits

Lifestyle and Impulsivity

Fearlessness

Offending Behavior

Correlation with Crime

Violence and Aggression

Sexual Offending

White-Collar Crime

Childhood Precursors

Developmental Pathways

Environmental Factors

Neurological Links

Cognitive & Emotional Traits

Brain Functionality

Empathy and Emotion Recognition

Moral Judgment

Intelligence and Cognition

Causation Factors

Genetic Influences

Environmental Factors

Biochemical Factors

Brain Injury

Diagnosis and Measurement

Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R)

Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI)

Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM)

DSM and ICD

Comorbidity

Personality Disorders

Other Conditions

Sex Differences

Male Manifestations

Female Manifestations

Management and Treatment

Treatment Challenges

Legal and Forensic Context

Focus on Behavior Management

Prognosis

Generally Poor Outlook

Prevalence

Community and Forensic Samples

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice