Paycopathy Flashcards
What is a psychopath?
A callous and charming person who’s fully aware of what they’re doing but does not care
What is a sociopath?
Someone who is less organised in demeanour and is more likely to act out than a psychopath
What are some features of female psychopaths? (4)
More violent towards intimates, use manipulation, likely to be the victim of sexual abuse and just as likely to use drugs and alcohol as their male counterparts
What do some studies suggest about psychopathy and brain function?
That it may stem from right-hemisphere dysfunction
What is factor analysis for psychopathy?
There are three factors that psychopaths can be judged on. Empathy, impulsivity and grandiosity
What did Checkley suggest about psychopaths?
That they are untreatable
What is the main problem with treating psychopathy?
It assumes psychopathy exists
What do psychopathic testaments mainly focus on?
Criminogenic needs
What has been found with psychopaths and the autonomic nervous system?
That the skin of psychopaths is less conductive that normal. This suggests that the ANS of a psychopath is under stimulated
Why is a lack of anxiety a prominent theory for psychopathy?
Because bad behaviour leads to punishment which results in anxiety. If anxiety is removed then there is no fear of punishment
What does ANS under arousal also explain?
A psychopaths need to seek outside arousal
Why is classifying a psychopath difficult?
Because some characteristics overlap with other personality disorders causing a negative label to be applied (labeling theory)
