The Contributing Factors to Psychopathy

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The Contributing Factors to Psychopathy Kortney Schaum Saint Leo University CRJ 509: Insights Into Criminal Behavior Dr. Mark Benander February 4, 2023

The Contributing Factors to Psychopathy In general, approximately 1% of the population has psychopathic, narcissistic, and sociopathic traits, such as a distorted sense of self, a lack of empathy, or a distorted sense of self- worth (Psychopathy Is, 2023). There is some gray area about whether psychopaths are born or developed over time. An individual with a psychopath disorder is one who exhibits persistent antisocial behavior and often engages in criminal behavior (Alho et al., 2022). Despite its prevalence in the general population, psychopathy did not always result in severe violent behavior or crimes; in fact, it was diagnosed only in people who exhibited extreme behavior. People who are psychopaths lack empathy, have poor behavioral control, and do not respond to emotional stimuli. In early life, there are events that could act as risk factors or predictors of psychopathy in later life, but it is still unclear how a psychopath's personality develops. A cognitive neuroscience and genetics integrated approach is suggested for studying the development of this personality based on the research that has been conducted thus far (Alho et al., 2022). Although genetics may be a factor, family dynamics and the social environment may also play a role (Psychopathy Is, 2023). It is the purpose of this paper to discuss psychopathy and the factors that contribute to it. Genetics and Psychopathy In much research into psychopathy it has been discovered that there is no “psychopathy gene” however it does state that psychopathy tends to run in family (Psychopathy Is, 2023). Despite not experiencing psychopathy themselves, parents have a higher risk of their children developing psychopathy if they carry one or more genetic variants. Despite not experiencing psychopathy themselves, parents have a higher risk of their children developing psychopathy if they carry one or more genetic variants (Benzjian et al., 2011). A combination of hundreds or thousands of genes is responsible for most psychological outcomes. About half of the variation in psychopathic traits comes from the combined effects of many genes (Benzjian et al., 2011). Therefore, some children are born at a higher risk of developing psychopathy. No one is actually born a psychopath, but however there are children that are born with a higher risk due to certain inherited factors. Substantial estimates for the heritability of psychopathic personality traits in children and adolescents have been reported and reactive and proactive forms of aggression have also been found to be heritable (Benzjian et al., 2011). In addition, men seem to be more prone to psychopathy than women. Consequently, psychopathy might be an adaptive personality trait that gives men a reproductive advantage since they have a greater likelihood of forming numerous relationships and thus having more children (Hunter, 2010). There is no evidence to support this, but it is certainly true that male psychopaths tend to form a large number of short-term relationships and can be rather seductive. There is a possibility that this is true at the genetic and neurological levels, especially if some genes linked to the X chromosome are involved (Hunter, 2010). However, this is speculative because few genes have been identified that are specifically associated with psychopathy, and most evidence for its heritability has been statistical. As for the X-linked MAOA gene, it has only been associated with general antisocial behavior but no studies have shown the link between that gene and psychopathy (Hunter, 2010).

Influences of The Environment Psychopathy It is true that environmental factors influence psychopaths' behavior, but in a different way compared to how they develop antisocial tendencies in other people. Psychopaths are more likely to be aggressive earlier in life, according to growing evidence. Benzjian et al. (2011) say that psychopathy has its origins in childhood as a result of "callous-unemotional" traits that resemble psychopathic personality traits as an adult. Several studies have traced environmental factors to psychopathy, noting that it often follows a recognizable pattern. Conduct problems are first caused by ineffective parenting and family management practices, followed by the temperamental characteristics of a child. The lack of positive peer interactions and academic failure are subsequent consequences. It is important to remember that these risk factors continue to build upon one another over time such that a risk factor at one developmental stage can become a factor at a later stage (Hicks et al., 2012). Increasing risks at the individual and environmental levels restrict the contexts in which psychopathic youth can operate. Cognitive and Developmental Factors of Psychopathy In addition to the Hare PCL-R checklist, psychopaths can also be identified by their lack of startle reflex, which is the inability of their nervous system to respond to images or events that frighten or shock others, such as decapitated corpses (Hunter, 2010). The tests are equally effective for psychopaths who don't engage in violence and seem to live ordinary lives. In addition, they are useful for identifying psychopathy in children, who exhibit the same symptoms, particularly pathological lying, lack of empathy, violence, and lack of startle reflexes. Numerous studies have found evidence of inherited psychopathy in young children as well. Conclusion Comprehension and greater understanding of the link between psychopathy and aggression could greatly benefit and aid in the prediction of future violence by adult offenders.

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References Alho, L., Paulino, M., Marques, P. B., & Meloy, J. R. (2022). The emergence and development of psychopathy. Psychopathy and Criminal Behavior , 17–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978- 0-12-811419-3.00020-0 Bezdjian, S., Tuvblad, C., Raine, A., & Baker, L. A. (2011). The Genetic and Environmental Covariation Among Psychopathic Personality Traits, and Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Childhood. Child Development, 82(4), 1267–1281. https://doi- org.saintleo.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2011.01598.x Hicks, B. M., Carlson, M. D., Blonigen, D. M., Patrick, C. J., Iacono, W. G., & Mgue, M. (2012). Psychopathic personality traits and environmental contexts: Differential correlates, gender differences, and genetic mediation. Personality disorders , 3 (3), 209– 227. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025084 Hunter P. (2010). The psycho gene. EMBO reports , 11 (9), 667–669. https://doi.org/10.1038/embor.2010.122 Psychopathy Is. (2023). What causes psychopathy. Retrieved from https://psychopathyis.org/what-causes-psychopathy/#:~:text=Genetic%20Risk %20Factors,child's%20chance%20of%20developing%20psychopathy .

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