The study of the psychopath reveals an individual who is incapable of feeling guilt, remorse or empathy for their actions. They are generally cunning, manipulative and know the difference between right and wrong, but dismiss it as applying to them.
First Encounter With a Psychopath
On first impression, psychopaths generally appear charming, engaged, caring and friendly. Outwardly, they seem to be logical, reasonable, and with well thought-out goals and give the impression that they can accurately reason and that there are consequences for antisocial and unlawful behavior and will react with the appropriate responses. They also appear capable of self-examination and will openly criticize themselves for past mistakes.
Under clinical evaluation, psychopaths do not show the common symptoms associated with neurotic behavior. This includes nervousness, high anxiety, hysteria, mood swings, extreme fatigue, and headaches. On the contrary, when in situations that most normal people would find upsetting, psychopaths appear unnerved, and emotionally void of fear and anxiety.
An About Face
Initially, psychopaths are highly reliable, devoted and trustworthy, then suddenly and without provocation, they become extremely unreliable and show no regard or interest to how their actions effect the situation, regardless of its importance. Where they were once viewed as being honest and with sincere intentions, they will do a sudden about face and begin lying without concerns. This holds true even in small matters when there is no benefit in lying, yet the psychopath will choose to be untruthful.
Because psychopaths have mastered the art of deception by presenting such positive behavior at first, those around them are slow to accept the abrupt change and total disregard for the relationship that was built. When psychopaths are finally confronted with their lack of responsibility, honesty or loyalty, it generally has no impact on their attitude or future performance. They are truly unable to perceive the concept that truthfulness and integrity is something that other people value in themselves.
Unable to Accept Responsibility for Failures
Psychopaths turn into performers when they need to mimic normal human emotions that they have never felt. This holds true when they are faced with failure. When they appear to be humble and own up to their mistakes, their true goal is to be perceived as the martyr or sacrificial lamb willing to accept blame so others do not have to.
If the ploy fails to work and they are blamed, they will emphatically deny any responsibility and, without feeling any shame, turn to lies, manipulation and point their fingers at the "true" culprits. When psychopaths are unable to convince the powers at be that they have not erred, they fume, and obsess over it, often murmuring sarcastic comments under their breath as they plot their revenge.
Risky Antisocial Behavior With No Gain
Antisocial behavior like cheating, lying, robbing, stealing, agitating, fighting, adultery and killing, appeals to psychopaths, with or without reaping any hefty rewards. They appear drawn to antisocial behavior that is high risk and has no apparent goal. Some theorize that psychopaths like to put themselves into dangerous situations or where there is a high risk of being arrested, because of the adrenalin rush that they experience. Since psychopaths generally do not feel many of the emotions that normal people feel, any extreme sensation feels good. Others believe that they do it in order to reinforce their sense of superiority and to prove that they are smarter than everyone, including the police.
Exhibits Horrible Judgment
Despite the fact that psychopaths are logical thinkers and enjoy viewing themselves as being highly intelligent, they consistently exhibit astonishingly horrible judgment. When they are faced with two paths, one that is clearly a path to gold and the other that is clearly a path to ashes, the psychopath will take the path to ashes. And, because psychopaths seen unable to learn from their own experiences, they will be prone to taking the same path again and again.
Egocentric and Unable to Love
Psychopaths are highly egomaniacal to the point that it is hard for a normal person to comprehend it as being real. Their self-centeredness is so deeply rooted and unchangeable that it renders them completely incapable of loving others, including parents, spouses and their own children.
The only time psychopaths show an ordinary response to kindness or special treatment by others is when it can be used to their advantage or facilitate some personal plan or goal. For example, a psychopathic father who is still loved by his children despite the deep suffering he has caused them may put on a show of appreciation only so that they continue to put money into his prison account or pay his legal fees.
Conventional Treatment Empowers the Psychopath
There are different degrees of psychopathic behavior and different types including the sexual psychopaths and the work psychopaths. Most studies indicate that there are no conventional methods available which cures psychopathic behavior. On the contrary, when conventional methods have been used, the psychopath becomes empowered, and reacts by improving their cunning, manipulative methods and their ability to conceal their true personality, even from trained eyes.
Common Characteristics Among Psychopaths
The above characteristics of a psychopath, is based on studies by Hervery M. Cleckley and published in 1941 in his book Mask of Sanity include:
Books About the Study of Psychopathic Behavior
- Snakes In A Suit
Author: Robert D. Hare, Paul Babiak - The Psychopath: Theory, Research, and Practice
Author: John C. Yuille, Hugues Herve - Psychopath: Emotion and the Brain
Author: James Blair, Karina Peschardt, Derek Robert Mitchell - Without Conscience
Author: Robert D. Hare