Table of Contents

Introduction of the topic

Physique

To sum up,

Sources

This is the beginning

Psychopathy is a disorder that causes individuals to behave in an unethical manner, usually against societal norms and values. Similar characteristics can be seen in an individual diagnosed as having Antisocial Personality disorder. These traits include lack of sympathy, guilt, shame and remorse as well increased aggression and superficial charisma (Linden, 2019). Researchers have found that those with this disorder are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. This paper will examine how psychopathy, as defined by psychological theories and research, is related to criminality.

Body Various hypotheses can be used in order to explain the development of a psychopathic character disorder, which is responsible for unbalanced behavior and deviations. Researchers have studied the experiences of male and woman juveniles who were neglected or abused by their parents in order to try and explain why childhood trauma is associated with antisocial behavior. Researchers claim that physical violence and abuse can result in aggressive behaviour in juvenile delinquents. This leads to the development and manifestation of affective deficits like a decreased ability to show sympathy and lack impulse control. The sample included candidates who participated in questionnaires like the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire or the PsychopathyChecklistYouth Version. Gender differences supported the idea that female deviants’ aggressive behavior is a result of victimization. Researchers discovered that male delinquents who had been physically abused and scored higher on PCL-YV displayed increased irresponsibility as well as more criminal behavior (Krischer & Sevecke 2008). In the study’s results, the researchers found that the childhood trauma of both genders played a part in the different factors that influence the progression to psychopathic traits.

In 1980 the Psychopathy check list was created as a method to accurately evaluate psychopathy. A psychopath is identified by a 20-item checklist that includes traits and behaviors such as lying pathologically, manipulating others, and being callous. The checklist will also determine whether an offender is a danger to others in institutions or psychiatric units. The screening results have been used to help prosecutors determine whether or not treatment and rehabilitation are necessary. The revised 1991 checklist is composed of two elements. Vitale (2006) states that the first element examines the dismissal an individual has for the feelings and rights others while including a lack of empathy. The second factor examines an individual’s antisocial conduct, as well a early delinquency. In the era of expanding criminology, it has become increasingly difficult to determine whether or not the PCL-R is reliable and valid in our society. Vitale, Newman and their team (2006) have examined the validity as well the current status of the PCLR assessment. They reviewed previous data in addition to conducting research on samples of females. It is hard to generalize findings from previous research because it focuses mainly on Caucasian masculine behaviour. This was stated by the researchers of the studies. The results of this study demonstrate that the PCL R can be used to assess both institutionalized and uninstitutionalized females. However, a simplified picture of validity is still unclear. Researchers suggest that until sufficient evidence is available to alter the PCL, it should be used to assess psychopathy.

People with a psychopathic diagnoses are described as having antisocial tendencies and displaying high levels of egocentrism. They also lack a conscience. Newer studies have suggested that psychopaths may be rehabilitable. Previous research had claimed to show the resistance of psychopaths to treatment. Larsen (2019), in his statement, states that individuals who score very high on PCL-R are viewed as “untreatable”, with no positive outcomes. This is an approach that researchers feel reflects clinical pessimism. A psychopath is also a person who has shown a tendency to become antisocial. The PCL R manual highlights this. Researchers have collected data that shows psychopaths are a distinct group of criminals. Also, they are not “wrong”. Evaluation cannot fix them. Larsen, (2019) argues that despite the fact that there are compelling data showing that rehabilitation is successful, there’s little evidence to support that psychopaths will remain immune to psychiatric therapy. In order to eliminate the myth that a psychopath is a callous, vile murderer it’s important to question assumptions that a psychopath is a person who has no emotion. This study has led to the conclusion that treating psychopathic personality disorder may be overly optimistic. Instead, professionals should focus their research on managing antisocial behaviors found in people with this disorder rather than trying to change underlying antisocial characteristics.

According to the psychoanalytic theories developed by Sigmund Fréud, personality is made up of three components: the id (biological drive), the ego (directed impulses) and the superego. Freud believed id is responsible for biological drives. Ego directs impulses generated by the id. Superego represents an individual’s moral sense and conscience (Linden, 2018). An imbalance between these two parts can lead to a person’s deviant behavior. Freud used an iceberg to illustrate the three distinct components of personality that are in direct correlation with one’s unconscious desires. Linden’s (2019) theory states that the tip is a reflection of conscious awareness. It represents the ego, superego, and other parts. The submerged portion of the iceberg, according to Linden (2019), represents the personalities of most people, including their id, with its unrefined impulses and desires. Practitioners say that this theory implies criminal behavior arises when both the superego (ego) and the id are unable or unwilling to control the hostile, unsocial forces. The theory suggests that misbehaviour in children is a result of a child’s unfulfilled development, often due to their failure to connect with their parents. Researchers have suggested in psychoanalytic studies that stable attachments to mothers during an infant’s early years are what encourages them to display affection and sympathy towards others. A lack of attachment can lead to a child’s inability to show affection and, as a result, their ability to harm others without feeling remorse. Linden (2019), says that trauma or neglect at an early age can have a significant impact on the development of criminal behaviour.

Hans Eysenck believes that the bad conducts of behavior are easily measurable. Linden (2019), a psychologist, says that this theory is closely related to classical conditioning. In classical conditioning, a stimulus will be associated with a reaction. If a punishment is given to a young child, the child may feel fear and pain. This will cause them to associate the act with that initial distress. Some believe that criminals do not have this conditioned response because they are not exposed to effective conditioning routines. (Linden 2019) Two samples of different sizes were analyzed to test a new way of studying Eysenck’s criminality theory. Cluster analysis was used to identify the personality types. To reach these conclusions, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaires were distributed to a group consisting of college students and inmates who are serving short-term prison sentences. McGurk (1981) stated that results from the study confirmed Eysenck’s belief that delinquents are more likely to engage in antisocial behavior. This study also confirms that criminals are likely to have high scores in the psychoticism section. Eysenck’s theoretical framework is of great importance because it establishes a link between social and psychological factors that determine an individual’s propensity to criminal behaviour.

Psychopathy can be analyzed from a theoretical perspective that is remarkably similar to other theories to identify the relationship between psychopathy and crime, violence and how to prevent such behavior. There is empirical evidence that shows a strong correlation between childhood neglect and delinquent actions. Inability to differentiate between right and wrong is a common characteristic of children who are subjected to psychological or physically abusive treatment. Due to the traumatic experience of displaced hostility, individuals can develop characteristics similar to Antisocial personality disorder. They may withdraw and become aggressive. Researchers can evaluate the best methods to manage antisocial behavior by utilizing research from Eysenck’s Grand Theory and psychoanalytic theories. This allows new practitioners to view psychopathy not as an unchangeable personality disorder, but as a psychological condition that affects both the reasoning and sympathetic parts of a person. This allows for new approaches and concepts to be introduced to those who misunderstand the concept of psychopathy and are convinced that it is a dangerous personality disorder. Researchers who focus on treatment can help those with antisocial tendencies learn self-control skills and how to manage their behavior.

ConclusionOverall, psychopathy is a complex condition that manifests in a variety of ways. Individuals who have been diagnosed with it display traits such as charm and dishonesty. Researchers have conducted extensive research to better understand those with psychopathy as well as the relationship between this condition and crime. Psychopaths lack the emotional components of rationality. They also have no remorse or guilt. Their ability to behave ethically and morally is greatly compromised. In future research, researchers should have the evidence they need to accurately identify psychopaths by using reliable and valid instruments.

Cited sources

Krischer, M.K., & Sevecke, K. (2008). Early traumatization in male and female juvenile offenders. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 31, 253-262. doi: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2008.04.008

Larsen, R.R. (2019). The stigma associated with research on psychopathy and its treatment. Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, 29, 243-272. doi:10.1353/ken.2019.0024.

Linden, R. (2019). Criminology: A Canadian perspective, ninth edition. Toronto: Nelson

McGurk, B.J., & McDougall, C. (1981). A new perspective on Eysenck’s criminality theory. Science Direct, 2, 338-340. doi: 10.1016/0191-8869(81)90091

Moore, M. (2011). Psychological theories of delinquency and crime. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 21, 226-239, doi: 10.1080/10911359.2011.564552

Vitale, J.E., & Newman, J.P. (2006). Using of the psychopathy Checklist- Revised with Female Samples: Reliability. validity and implications for Clinical Utility. Wiley Online Library, 8. doi: 10.1093/clipsy.8.1.117