Popular Courses
Psychology
University Study Guides
PSYC 100A
Queen's University
Psychology
University Study Guides
PSYCH 1XX3
McMaster University
PSYC 100
McGill University
PSY100H1
University of Toronto
PSYCH 1003
Western University
PSYC 1010
York University
PSYC 100B
Queen's University
PSYC 201
University of Calgary
PSYC 200
Concordia University
PSYCH 100
Pennsylvania State University
PSC 001
University of California - Davis
PSY 101
Michigan State University
PSY 2012
University of Florida
PSYCH10
University of California - Los Angeles
PSY 101
San Diego State University
PSY 101
University of Arizona
PSC 001Y
University of California - Davis
PSYC 1001
University of Cincinnati
0:00 / 0:00
Psychopathy
Psychopathy is a personality condition characterized by a lack of empathy or remorse, antisocial behaviour, manipulation, and superficial charm.
Due to their ability to manipulate and superficially charm others, psychopaths — or those displaying some of the symptoms — are often successful in business and politics.
Though not an official DSM-V diagnosis, individuals displaying psychopathy overlap greatly with those diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder.
The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised is one of the primary tools used to assess individuals for psychopathy.
It identifies two factors, or behaviour clusters, in psychopaths:
1. Manipulation, selfishness, and the callous use of others (this cluster is also associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder)
2. Impulsivity, unstable, and deviant behaviour (this cluster is also associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder)
Causes of psychopathy:
- Genetics - twin and adoption studies have suggested a moderate genetic link
- Brain structure - abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex (self-control & impulsivity) and amygdala (emotion processing) may be linked to psychopathy
- Observational learning - individuals with psychopathy may model their behaviour on aggressive parental figures, unstable home environments, or deviant peers