CRM380: 7 ~ Psychopathy

Psychopathy

A cluster of psychological, interpersonal, and neurophysiological features often associated with a high risk for recidivism.

Anti-Social Personality Disorder (ASPD)

A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of others' rights, where psychopathy is a severe subset.

Primary Psychopathy

Characterized by identifiable psychological, emotional, cognitive, and biological differences, distinct from emotionally disturbed individuals.

Secondary Psychopathy

Behavior rooted in emotional problems, often characterized by impulsivity, violence, and high anxiety.

Callous-unemotional traits

Emotional under-reactiveness, particularly to others' distress, associated with higher conduct problems.

Prevalence of Psychopathy

Found in approximately 1% of the general population and 10-15% in correctional populations.

Recidivism

The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend; rates are very high for psychopaths.

Neuropsychological factors

Complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and socialization factors influencing psychopathy.

Familial factors related to psychopathy

Includes harsh discipline, maltreatment, and low parental warmth contributing to the development of antisocial behavior.

Central Nervous System (CNS) dysfunction

Defects in frontal lobe processing and amygdala activity linked to psychopathic traits.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) under-responsiveness

Physiological state where individuals fail to experience the full impact of emotions, linked to recidivism.

Criminal Psychopath

A type of psychopath characterized by persistent and serious antisocial behavior.

Semantic aphasia

A condition where words carry no emotional sincerity, allowing individuals to articulate regret without meaning.

Genetic influence on psychopathy

Psychopathy tends to run in families, with multiple genetic factors contributing to its development.

Behavior Description - Cleckley

Outlined features of psychopathy, including superficial charm, impulsivity, and lack of genuine affection.