murder and psychopathy

Question 1

what is psychopathy

Answer 1

mental disorder involving anti social behaviour, including low empathy/remorse, as well as impulsive and egotistical characteristics

Question 2

what are the items in the Hare PCL-R

Answer 2

factor 1:
- superficial charm
- grandiose sense of self worth
- manipulative
- callous
- shallow affect
- promiscuous sexual behaviour

factor 2:
- need for stimulation
- poor behavioural control
- impulsivity
- irresponsibility
- juvenile delinquency
- many short term marital relationships

Question 3

what is the difference between psychopathy and sociopathy

Answer 3

psychopathy is innate, some claim there is no capacity to feel remorse, guilt, empathy

sociopathy may result from environment. lack empathy, guilt, and remorse in general, but may feel attached to some individuals

Question 4

predictor factors of psychopathy

Answer 4

1) low resting heart rate

2) frontal defects in the brain - brain area responsible for many higher level functions, including social behaviours and self control

3) early health factors (birth complications, physical anomalies, malnutrition) - may lead to damage to/underdevelopment of prefrontal cortex

Question 5

what are the effects of frontal deficits

Answer 5

• less able to reason and make appropriate choices in risky situations
• poor fear conditioning, less responsive to punishment, including what is needed for socialisation
• might lead to seeking arousal and stimulation