Lecture1_NarratedShort-Psychopathy the Construct and Clinical Condition-2 (copy)

Module 1 Lecture Overview

Course Information

• Course Title: MIOP The PSYCHOPATH

• Instructor: Dr. Jacqueline B. Helfgott

• Institution: Seattle University, College of Arts and Sciences

Psychopathy

• Definition: Personality disorder with inability to form human attachments.

• Key Features: Aggressive narcissism, antisocial lifestyle.

• Key Terminology:

  • Psychopath: Not DSM classified.

  • Sociopath: Used in DSM-I, later removed.

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD): Current official term; distinct from psychopathy, but predicts dangerousness better.

Characteristics of Psychopathy

• Aggressive Narcissism Components:

  • Deceptive style

  • Deficient affect

  • Antisocial lifestyle

• Criminal and Noncriminal Behaviors

Psychopathy in Criminal Justice

• Relevance: Links to violent recidivism, misconduct, and specific criminal actions.

• Applications: Profiling, rehabilitation, sentencing, and risk assessment.

Models of Psychopathy

• Categorical Model: Yes/No classification.

• Dimensional Model: Continuum of traits.

• Dual Deficit Model: Low fear and low anxiety.

Historical Overview

• Key Contributions: Pinel, Cleckley, Hare’s PCL-R.

Personality Disorder Definition (DSM-IV-TR)

• Criteria: Deviating behavior patterns, early onset, inflexibility.

Changes in DSM Over Time**

• Evolution of terms from Sociopathic Personality to APD.

Cluster B Personality Disorders**

• Includes APD, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Borderline.

Kernberg’s Theory**

• Levels of personality organization with varying defense mechanisms.

PCL-R Characteristics**

• Structure: Factor 1: Personality traits, Factor 2: Behavioral traits. Recent studies suggest 4-factor model.

PCL-R Scoring**

• 20 items scored 0-2; interpretation of scores for psychopath classification.