Ch. 7-Psychopathy

psychopathy checklist (PCL-R)

(most frequently used instrument) *Distinguishes criminal psychopaths from criminal nonpsychopaths* -score 30+ -info from various sources -risk assessment

What is the prevalence of psychopathy?

*1%* of the population *15-25%* of prison -most will be around because they don't get caught

Primary psychopath

*A true psychopath* -certain identifiable psychological, emotional, cognitive, and biological differences that distinguish from the general and criminal populations

what percent of inmates qualify for APD & Psychopathy?

*APD*: 50-80% *Psychopathy*: 11-25%

childhood of psychopath

*Begins in childhood and continues throughout adulthood* *Histories* -hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention and conduct problems -parental neglect -negative school experiences *life-course persistent offenders*

The female psychopath

*Differences related to socialization and neuropsychological differences* -*less prevalent* than males -*lower scores* on PCL-R -lack realistic *long-term goals* -numerous *marriages* -wide *range* of crime -*lower recidivism*

Two-Factor positon

*Factor 1* -interpersonal and emotional components *Factor 2* -socially deviant or antisocial lifestyle

Three-factor position

*Factor 3* -emotional shallowness. callousness, lack of empathy

Examples of primary psychopaths

*Ferdinand Walso Demara* -the great impostor -tried dozens of occupations but never received a high school diploma -even performed surgery by reading about how, saved some lives *Charles Manson* -instructed followers to commit murder

Neurobiological factors of psychopathy

*Genetics* : likely not a large role *Temperament*: good indicator -low arousal and fear response -may impact formation of guilt/conscience *Neuropsychology* -central and peripheral nervous systems -impaired cognitive-executive functioning -no conclusive research yet *dual-process model*

Psychopathy and recidivism

*High Rates* -reoffend faster than nonpsychopaths -violate parole sooner -for both adult and juveniles

Dyssocial psychopath

*Learned behavior* from their subculture -gangs, terrorists, families

Psychopaths and mental disorders?

*Most do not exhibit symptoms of mental disorders* -lacking in excessive anxiety -not prone to psychotic thinking, delusions, hallucinations, or depression -calm under pressure *Some argue psychopathy and schizophrenia are on the same spectrum*

juvenile psychopathy

*Problems with early identification and labelling* -self-fulfilling prophecies *Changing developmental patterns across lifespan* -some features of the check list are naturally higher for adolescents, but grow out of those behaviors *Treatment options* -limited if tried as adults

What are the flaws of psychopaths?

*Struggle to bond with anyone* -some can learn and copy through observation *End up with unsuccessful lives* -life requires depth *No true feelings/emotions* -can only imitate when they observe similar experiences

Neurobiological factors of psychopathy: dual-process model

*Two temperament contributions that interact with social environment= developmental pathways leading to psychopathy* 1. Low-fear 2. Impaired cognitive-executive functioning

traits of the female psychopath

-high callousness -low empathy -relational aggression -history of victimization

Psychopaths and suicide

-intolerable and desperate situations -aggressive and impulsive inmates more likely to commit suicide -complex and multifaceted

criticisms of the PCL-R

-may not identify psychopaths who don't engage in criminal behavior -so criminal behavior should not be core feature -rather focus should be antisocial behavior

racial differences in psychopaths

-minimal differences btwn blacks and whites; Hispanics and non Hispanics

offending patterns of psychopaths

-responsible for *disproportionate amount of crime* -most *violent and persistent* offenders -*sadistic and brutal murders* (the "chase"/victim reactions are thrilling)

what are the different versions of the PCL-R?

-screening version -youth version -research version

Antisocial Personality Disorder

1. *Distinct from psychopath* 2. *Pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of others* -since 15 -must be 18 to diagnose -OBSERVABLE traits for DSM 3.*History of Conduct Disorder* -childhood DSM 4. *Always involves criminal behavior* -psychopathy does not

Neurobiological factors of psychopathy: four conclusions

1. *autonomically and cortically underaroused* 2. *deficient in avoidance learning* 3. *if emotional arousal can be induces, psychopaths can learn from past experiences and avoid aversive situations* 4. *W/ adequate incentives, psychopaths can learn from past experiences and avoid aversive consequences* (3,4 more hypothesis than absolute)

other principle traits of psychopaths

1. *selfishness* 2. *inability to love or gain genuine affection* 3. *egocentric* 4. *flat affect* 5. *little contact with family* -does not respond to acts of kindness 6. *pathological liars* -no purpose for being honest 7. *unreliable, irresponsible, unpredictable* -can pretend to be but unravel 8. *lack of remorse/guilty* -semantic aphasia 9. *stimulation seeking*

Behavioral characteristics of psychopaths

1. *superficial charm* 2. *average-above avg. intelligence* -may be much higher because unable to account for the ones who do not get caught 3. *friendly and outgoing* 4. *display many interests* 5. *verbally skillful* (make them great at manipulating others and systems; most don't end up with successful lives)

the meanness factor

1. extreme arrogance 2. defiance of authority 3. pleasure and satisfaction without consideration for others 4. directed at hurting others

the boldness factor

1. fearless dominance 2. corporate psychopath 3. US presidents

Four-factor position

1. interpersonal 2. lifestyle 3. affective 4. antisocial tendencies

What are the three categories of psychopaths?

1. primary 2. secondary 3. dyssocial

Core features of psychopathy

1. the two-factor position 2. the three-factor position 3. the four-factor position 4. the boldness factor 5. the meanness factor

Psychopath

A person who demonstrates a observable cluster of *psychological, interpersonal, and neurophysiological* features that distinguish them from the general population (Robert Hare) *distinct from sociopaths*, which is a nonclinical label attached to someone who persistently and chronically breaks the law

is APD or Psychopathy easier to meet criteria for diagnosis?

APD

Treatment of psychopaths

Research shows adult psychopaths are *not responsive* to treatment -evaluation is difficult bc of *skillful manipulation* *children* -cognitive-behavior, psychodynamic, eclectic interventions (nothing very conclusive yet)

Secondary psychopath

commit antisocial or violent acts because of *severe emotional problems or inner conflicts* -rooted in parental abuse and rejection

Is there a psychopathy diagnosis in the DSM?

no