KRM 310(B) - UNIT 3
UNIT 3: CRIMINAL PSYCHOPATHY
1) THE PSYCHOPATH
Demonstrates discernable cluster of psychological, interpersonal & neurophysiological features
Ego-centric = behavioural disorder (no hallucinations etc.)
Not ALL psychopaths are criminals = some are successful
2) PRIMARY, SECONDARY & DYSSOCIAL PSYCHOPATH
PRIMARY (‘true’ psychopath) has identifiable psychological, emotional, cognitive & biological differences
SECONDARY commit antisocial/violent acts due to severe emotional problems/inner conflicts
Called acting-out neurotics, neurotic delinquents, symptomatic psychopaths or emotionally disturbed
offenders
More aggressive & violent = rooted in parental abuse & rejection
DYSSOCIAL display aggressive & antisocial behaviour they learned from subculture (ex. gangs, terrorist
groups or families)
3) ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER (APD)
Pervasive pattern of disregard for & violation of the rights of others (always criminal)
Repetitive lying, impulsiveness & disregard for the safety of others
APD & psychopathy don’t have the same underlying psychopathology
APD involves criminal behaviour = psychopaths aren’t always criminals
Psychopathy exists on a continuum (difference in degree = not difference in kind)
Limited response style, poor interpersonal relationships, rigidity/inability to make adjustments,
ability to function effectively, evaluation of own behaviour & unwilling to obtain help
4) BEHAVIOURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A PSYCHOPATH
Psychopaths have superficial charm & above average intelligence (Cleckley)
Impress others as friendly, outgoing, likable, alert, verbally skilful & can talk themselves out of trouble
(however their speech is empty)
Psychometric studies: score higher on IQ test than general population (individually
PSYCHOLOGICAL administered test)
TESTING
‘SUCCESS FUL’ PSYC HOPA TH: committed crime & avoided arrest
DIFFERENCES
‘UNSUCCES SFUL’ P SYCHO PATH : convicted & imprisoned
PSYCHOPATHS & Most psychopaths don’t exhibit = remain cool/calm under pressure (ex. James Bond)
MENTAL D ISORDERS Some argue psychopathy is on same spectrum as schizophrenia
PSYCHOPATHS & Take life when it becomes clear there’s no way out of it (ex. 25 years in prison)
SUICIDE Psychopaths have higher rates of suicide in prison
5) PRINCIPLE TRAITS OF A PSYCHOPATH
Egocentric Absence of guilt/remorse Inability to show love/affection (can mimic it)
Pathological lying Ability to manipulate Unreliable, irresponsible & unpredictable
Poor frustration toleration Impulsive (need thrills/excitement) Poor insight (other’s hurt/own acts)
UNIT 3: CRIMINAL PSYCHOPATHY
1) THE PSYCHOPATH
Demonstrates discernable cluster of psychological, interpersonal & neurophysiological features
Ego-centric = behavioural disorder (no hallucinations etc.)
Not ALL psychopaths are criminals = some are successful
2) PRIMARY, SECONDARY & DYSSOCIAL PSYCHOPATH
PRIMARY (‘true’ psychopath) has identifiable psychological, emotional, cognitive & biological differences
SECONDARY commit antisocial/violent acts due to severe emotional problems/inner conflicts
Called acting-out neurotics, neurotic delinquents, symptomatic psychopaths or emotionally disturbed
offenders
More aggressive & violent = rooted in parental abuse & rejection
DYSSOCIAL display aggressive & antisocial behaviour they learned from subculture (ex. gangs, terrorist
groups or families)
3) ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER (APD)
Pervasive pattern of disregard for & violation of the rights of others (always criminal)
Repetitive lying, impulsiveness & disregard for the safety of others
APD & psychopathy don’t have the same underlying psychopathology
APD involves criminal behaviour = psychopaths aren’t always criminals
Psychopathy exists on a continuum (difference in degree = not difference in kind)
Limited response style, poor interpersonal relationships, rigidity/inability to make adjustments,
ability to function effectively, evaluation of own behaviour & unwilling to obtain help
4) BEHAVIOURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A PSYCHOPATH
Psychopaths have superficial charm & above average intelligence (Cleckley)
Impress others as friendly, outgoing, likable, alert, verbally skilful & can talk themselves out of trouble
(however their speech is empty)
Psychometric studies: score higher on IQ test than general population (individually
PSYCHOLOGICAL administered test)
TESTING
‘SUCCESS FUL’ PSYC HOPA TH: committed crime & avoided arrest
DIFFERENCES
‘UNSUCCES SFUL’ P SYCHO PATH : convicted & imprisoned
PSYCHOPATHS & Most psychopaths don’t exhibit = remain cool/calm under pressure (ex. James Bond)
MENTAL D ISORDERS Some argue psychopathy is on same spectrum as schizophrenia
PSYCHOPATHS & Take life when it becomes clear there’s no way out of it (ex. 25 years in prison)
SUICIDE Psychopaths have higher rates of suicide in prison
5) PRINCIPLE TRAITS OF A PSYCHOPATH
Egocentric Absence of guilt/remorse Inability to show love/affection (can mimic it)
Pathological lying Ability to manipulate Unreliable, irresponsible & unpredictable
Poor frustration toleration Impulsive (need thrills/excitement) Poor insight (other’s hurt/own acts)
