Research Paper crm 426

docx

School

Saint Leo University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

426

Subject

Sociology

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by BrigadierAlligatorPerson762

1 Theories of Psychopaths and Violent Criminal Behavior Jessica Hodges Saint Leo University 12/8/2023

2 Theories of Psychopaths and Violent Criminal Behavior Abstract Some individuals could see the topic of theories of psychopath and violent criminal behavior and might conclude that it is two different subjects and possibly can be intertwined with some psychopaths. Within this research paper, we will dig into research and see how this topic is engaged with each other and how psychopaths think, along with what makes them engage in not just criminal behavior but violence. This paper will go over details to show what can help to prevent psychopathy, and what can help to deter criminal activity. Learning what psychopathy means in detail. This research will identify a problem and answer the research question in depth. Will also discuss previous research to what new research should be focused on and new areas where to conduct future research. Included will be a summary of the literature researched and the Saint Leo Core Value of Excellence incorporated into the conclusion.

3 The Introduction Upon research, we will answer the following questions, what is Psychopathy? What can be learned from this disorder? Can this disorder be treated? How does this disorder intertwine with criminal violent behavior? What are some of the theories that discuss this topic? Psychopathy is a neuropsychiatric disorder marked by deficient emotional responses, lack of empathy, and poor behavioral controls, commonly resulting in persistent antisocial deviance and criminal behavior (PsychopathyIs, 2023). This is a common disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that indicates the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of psychopathy appear because of unusual brain development beginning early in life. People with this disorder may deceive, manipulate, exploit, threaten, steal, and physically harm others. They also can be perceived as friendly and well-balanced. Psychopathic people can be difficult to identify since they have a “mask of sanity.” Traits can be mild to extreme (PsychopathyIs, 2023). Psychopathy is not a diagnosis. Psychopathy can increase a person’s risk of being antisocial and aggressive, but not all psychopaths are criminals or violent. Psychopathy can be treated even though it can be difficult to treat because not enough research has been conducted on risk factors, causes, and effective treatments (PsychopathyIs, 2023). “It is a different kind of abnormality from all those now recognized as seriously impairing competency…the first and most striking difference is this: the observer is confronted with a convincing mask of sanity” (Hervey Cleckley). The Problem Statement: Hervey Cleckley’s book ‘The Mask of Sanity’ made a huge contribution to science. “In the popular imagination, people with psychopathy are murderers who kill and torture their victims in the most gruesome manner. However, Cleckley observed that people with psychopathy can function without any obvious criminality and partial manifestations of their

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 symptoms can be seen in people from all walks of life, including respectable professionals such as doctors, scientists, and business people (Rahman, 2012). Descriptions of psychopathy can be found dating back to ancient times. “Not just the main focus on diagnostic criteria for research, but to help doctors make sense of and try to understand people who are encountered in day to day in clinical practice” (Cleckley, 2012). Psychopathy is the most important forensic concept and the unified theory of crime. It has been the most important psychological product in the criminal justice system. Linking psychopathy to criminal behavior and identifying the areas in need of future research (Dhingra et al., 2013). There are main measurement tools for psychopathy assessment, The PCL-R, The PCL-SV, The PCL-YV, The Hare, The Hare SRP, and the LSRP, these are all questionnaires and assessments evaluated with scores to see where one would rate. The PCL instruments are used for measurement and to distinguish males associated with psychopathy from females. Since males have been more of the focus of research and psychopathy (Dhingra et al., 2013). Psychopathy in children and youth is conducted by research from early ages to ones that have been convicted and show characteristics that can be predictive of traits. Psychopathy and the link between criminal behavior, not all psychopaths involve or imply criminal behavior but “a small minority of those who engage in criminal conduct are psychopaths” (Dhingra et al., 2013). Psychopathy, being measured as PCL-R, predicts violence. Psychopaths are more likely to use violence or weapons in their crimes than other offenders (Dhingra et al., 2013). The Research Question: What theory is best described for violent criminal behavior with a psychopath?

5 The Literature Review Psychopathy is characterized by recognizable patterns of deceitfulness, superficial charm, lack of empathy, regret, guilt and irresponsibility, and impulsive features. According to research conducted by Dhingra, these features are genetically influenced, begin to manifest in childhood, and are relatively stable over time (Dhingra et al., 2013). Given the link between psychopathy and criminal behavior, it is described as the most important psychological construct within the criminal justice system. With studies conducted, identified, and findings that empirical research exists. Psychopathy can be a strong predictor of criminal behavior and recidivism. Psychopathic offenders have more violence than violence committed by other offenders. The current gold standard for measuring potential psychopathy is considered the Hare Psychopathy Checklist which is abbreviated as PCL. There are four versions of the checklist: a regular PCL which is the first edition, the PCL-SV which is a screening version, the PCL-R which is a revised second edition, and the PCL-YV which is the youth version. The primary purpose of the PCL in any version is to determine if psychopathy is present. Only a clinical professional trained in the administration of the PCL or PCL-R can give an accurate assessment and interpret the results. Previous research shows that high levels of psychopathy were found in maximum-security prisons. There is a demonstrable link between psychopathy and criminal behavior (Dhingra et al., 2013). Therefore, providing the application of self-report measures and PCL assessments in prisons is needed for future research since previous research shows greater levels of psychopathy in prison populations (Dhingra et al., 2013). According to Gough, “the concept of psychopathy has had a long development in psychopathology. Earliest usage centered around such terms as “moral imbecility”, more recently, the designation “psychopathic personality” has been favored”. Gough explained that

6 one of the most heuristic approaches to the study of behavioral disorders is the consideration of social behaviors. Gough describes psychopathic personalities as those who have demonstrated difficulty in social adjustments over the years or throughout their life. They are not intellectually defective or not suffering from diseases of the brain or epilepsy nor behavioral syndromes such as neuroses or psychoses. Karpman objects to the use of psychopathy merely as a synonym for delinquency. Karpman states, “when there is a true lack of ethical and moral principles in the personality, the term anethopathy should be used (Gough, 1948). In this research, Cleckley also talks about how an impulsive psychopath can escape legal retribution for immoral acts by an insanity plea. The personality of psychopathy is so involved that they show no signs of incongruity, anxiety, or self-doubting such as can be found in psychoneuroses, psychoses, and criminality (Gough, 1948). The kind of person who seems insensitive to social demands, who refuses to or cannot co-operate, who is untrustworthy, impulsive, and improvident, who shows poor judgment and shallow emotionality, and who seems unable to appreciate the reactions of others to his behavior has been discussed in the psychiatric literature for over a century (Gough, 1948). The concept of role-playing seems to synthesize a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutical data. Research conducted by Marcus (1991) was inspired by using Hirschi and Gottfredson's book “A General Theory of Crime,” which provides information based on this theory. Gives a breakdown of numbers associated with crimes throughout areas large or small and gives percentages of generalization of what was affected. This research gives an understanding of the cause of crimes along with why these crimes are committed and what can be done. It helps with information on self-control and how this can be a factor to help deter crime. Criminal acts provide self-gratification for an offender. To provide more clarity on psychopathy research a new

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

7 approach aimed at looking into the self-control of an individual should be utilized (Marcus, 1991) When researching PsychopathyIs (2023) it explains what psychopathy is along with character traits that can be displayed. That psychopathy is misunderstood. Discussing why it is important to know about psychopathy if it is considered a diagnosis. Explaining are psychopaths always criminals or always violent. If the condition is treatable. That some individuals can be psychopaths and you do not realize it. That they have antisocial behaviors but don’t understand what causes or contributes to them. It supports some ideas conducted in previous research on this topic (PsychopathyIs, 2023). According to research provided by Rahman (2012), this was based on Hervey Cleckley’s book titled, “The Mask of Sanity.” Providing information based on this book and that this book inspired clinicians while providing momentum for research into those that had mostly been neglected by researchers before this publication. This book made the most significant contribution to science, with people’s imagination thinking psychopathy are murderers who torture and kill their victims most horrifyingly. Cleckley’s observation and research description show that psychopathy can function without criminality. Their symptoms can be displayed by many kinds of people, even some of the more respectable professionals (Rahman, 2012). The Theoretical Framework The role of sociological theory provides a synthesis of facts known to psychopathy, suggesting hypotheses that can be submitted to factual tests. This research paper will provide sociological concepts and points of view on the psychopathic personality. Karpman objected to the use of psychopathy for delinquency. Karpman stated, “When there is a true lack of ethical and moral principles in the personality, the term “anethopathy” should be used” (Gough, 1948;

8 p.361). Cleckley argued that the behavior performed by the psychopath can be dismissed from legal retribution for his crimes, by pleading insanity and then can ensure secure release by having psychiatric competence. With psychopathy, personality is involved leading there to be no signs of incongruity, anxiety, or self-doubt as can be found in psychoneuroses, psychoses, and criminality (Gough, 1948). Psychopaths form no deep attachments because they are not capable of sharing another’s viewpoint or identifying themselves with another person. This is where role- playing skills through therapy could come in handy to give them a perception from another’s viewpoint and analysis of themselves. Without punishment given in role-playing, this also helps the psychopath try out multiple roles and social skills to evaluate what they had previously done and to correct it (Gough, 1948). Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson in their book: A General Theory of Crime, discuss their theory and the general view that most crimes are not planned and are committed by those who are immature, and in the moment look to obtain self-gratification through the deviant act (Marcus, 1991). They make a clear that violent crime is the region of the young. With career criminals or organized institutions, who think carefully through their illegal acts. This leads to their conclusion that individuals who lack self-control will be insensitive, impulsive, physical, short-sighted, risk-taking, and non-verbally they will continue to engage in criminal and illegal acts (Marcus, 1991). They have more serious illnesses. Hirschi and Gottfredson both argue that the best way to control and combat crime is to focus and develop ways of self-control. That all crime can be based on those who lack self-control (Marcus, 1991). The Discussion From learned that psychopathy can be treated even though it does not have extensive research conducted on causes, risk factors, and completely effective treatment. Psychopathy is a

9 common condition (PsychopathyIs, 2023). It can be a term used to paint the image of individuals capable of heinous egregiously selfish acts on a broader spectrum. Since it can be better described as a condition that can cause individuals to take part in illegal acts, it makes society lower our compassion for these individuals but also results in resistance to funding and having it treated. Some traits can be low empathy and remorse, grandiosity, impulsivity, and aggressive or violent behavior. This research shows that this is a big factor in criminal behavior and psychopathy (PsychopathyIs, 2023). New findings and research show that not all psychopaths are involved in criminal behavior. Just like not all criminals are psychopaths (Marcus, 1991). There are ways to detect psychopathy traits in the different assessments used. The theory detailed in this research shows that some can be traced back to self-control and that if self-control can be targeted and controlled at a younger age it could help with psychopathy and criminal behavior in general. The psychopaths that do act in criminal behavior have displayed self-control and impulses and have a lack of empathy towards other individuals in society. Keep in mind that psychopathy not being a clinical diagnosis is more referred to as someone with an antisocial disorder (Marcus, 1991). Psychopathy can be a difficult disorder to spot, they can appear to be normal, sometimes even charming. Often their antisocial nature can lead to criminality but not always. Research can be conducted to look for traits and characteristics leading to psychopathy, unfortunately, there is no cure for psychopathy (Marcus, 1991). It would be hard to instill empathy, sometimes in an uncaring mind you cannot make any progress within talk therapy. The theory by Hirschi and Gottfredson was that fixing and controlling self- control and teaching about it at a young age would prevent criminal activity specifically within psychopathy (Marcus, 1991).

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

10 The Conclusion The research conducted should be a good starting point for understanding psychopathy and what some of the traits can entail. Just because one is referred to as a psychopath does not mean they all engage in criminal activity, and vice versa. This research explains how from early childhood development or as early as seven years of age, self-control can help and contribute to deter psychopathy as far as not acting on impulses or being able to empathize with another person. More research needs to be focused on adolescents and the development of psychopathic behavior for earlier detection of this disorder, to help future understandings, curbing criminal behavior, and where to put focus on this topic and relevant matters. One of Saint Leo’s Core Values is Excellence. This is relevant to this research paper because it shows the practices around a particular area of interest. Research is looking for supportive information that has been or can be conducted to support your research topic. Excellence is described as striving to do more and be great even if that results in making errors along the way. When a person is learning, growing, and evolving, mistakes will be made. It’s the effort, will and desire to learn that is excellence. This describes research as it can be extensive but also result in trial and error, but you still learn on the way and from mistakes prior.

11 References Dhingra, K., & Boduszek, D. (2013). Psychopathy and criminal behavior: psychosocial research perspective. Journal of Criminal Psychology, 3(2), 83-107. Retrieved from: https://www.proquest.com/docview/1430566885/fulltext/B708D48BA2DA41B8PQ/19? accountid=4870&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals Gough, H.G. (1948). A Sociological Theory of Psychopathy . American Journal of Sociology, vol. 53, no. 5, pp. 359-66. JSTOR. Retrieved from: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2771475 Marcus, Paul. (1991). Book Review of a General Theory of Crime . Faculty Publications. Retrieved from: https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/facpubs/1433 PsychopathyIs. (2023). What is psychopathy? Retrieved from: https://psychopathyis.org/what-is psychopathy/ Rahman, M. (2012). The Mask of Sanity . BMJ: British Medical Journal; London Vol. 344 Retrieved from: https://www.proquest.com/docview/1945183557/fulltext/C4DC1BE48AEB4062PQ/13? accountid=4870&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals

Research Paper crm 426

Related Documents