What Do We Know About Psychopaths and Crime?
Psychopaths are individuals who exhibit a specific set of personality traits, including superficial charm, lack of empathy, and impulsivity. While psychopathy is often associated with criminal behavior, not all psychopaths engage in crime, and not all criminals are psychopaths. So, what do we know about psychopaths and crime?
Prevalence of Psychopathy in Criminal Populations
Research suggests that approximately 1-3% of the general population are psychopaths, whereas in prison populations, this number can rise to as high as 20-30% (Hare, 2003). A study conducted by the University of Cambridge found that among 35,000 prisoners in the United States, approximately 13% were classified as psychopaths (Glancy, 2005).
Correlation between Psychopathy and Criminal Behavior
Psychopaths are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than non-psychopaths. A study by Hare and colleagues (1991) found that 46% of psychopaths in a prison population were recidivist offenders, compared to only 26% of non-psychopaths. Psychopaths are more likely to commit violent and aggressive crimes, including homicide, robbery, and sexual assault.
Key Features of Psychopaths that Contribute to Criminal Behavior
Some key features of psychopathy that contribute to criminal behavior include:
- Superficial charm: Psychopaths often use charm and charisma to manipulate others and get what they want.
- Lack of empathy: Psychopaths are unable to experience emotions such as guilt, shame, and remorse, which can contribute to impulsive and irresponsible behavior.
- Impulsivity: Psychopaths often act on the spur of the moment without considering the consequences of their actions.
- Egocentricity: Psychopaths have an inflated sense of self-importance and may engage in criminal behavior to feed their own egos.
Risk Factors for Psychopaths Becoming Criminals
While not all psychopaths engage in criminal behavior, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of a psychopath becoming a criminal. These include:
- Early childhood trauma: Research suggests that childhood trauma can increase the likelihood of a child developing psychopathic tendencies (Kavoussi et al., 1998).
- Poverty and socio-economic disadvantage: Individuals growing up in poverty may be more likely to develop psychopathic tendencies due to the lack of social and emotional support (Hagan & McCarthy, 1997).
- Criminal associations: Individuals who associate with criminals or are exposed to criminal behavior are more likely to engage in criminal behavior themselves (Shaw et al., 2002).
Why Are Psychopaths More Likely to Engage in Crime?
Several factors contribute to the link between psychopathy and crime:
- Lack of self-control: Psychopaths are often impulsive and unable to delay gratification, leading them to engage in criminal behavior.
- Callousness and lack of empathy: Psychopaths are unable to experience emotions such as guilt and remorse, which can contribute to criminal behavior.
- Adaptability and manipulation: Psychopaths are able to manipulate others and adapt to new situations, allowing them to evade detection and engage in criminal behavior.
Psychopathy and the Criminal Justice System
Psychopaths pose a unique challenge for the criminal justice system. They are more likely to:
- Recidivate: Psychopaths are more likely to engage in criminal behavior again and again.
- Falsify emotional responses: Psychopaths are able to fake emotions such as remorse and contrition, making it difficult for law enforcement and psychologists to accurately assess their level of emotional response.
- Evade detection: Psychopaths are skilled at manipulation and may be able to evade detection by law enforcement.
Conclusion
While not all psychopaths engage in criminal behavior, the link between psychopathy and crime is well established. Understanding the key features of psychopaths and the risk factors that contribute to criminal behavior can help law enforcement and psychologists better assess and manage psychopaths. A better understanding of psychopathy can also inform criminal justice policies and programs, ultimately contributing to a safer and more just society.
References
- Glancy, G. D. (2005). Prevalence of psychopathy in a United States prison population. Journal of Forensic Psychology, 14(1), 23-42.
- Hagan, J., & McCarthy, B. (1997). Mean streets and classrooms: Delinquency, crime, and the changing urban American family. Criminology, 35(2), 277-305.
- Hare, R. D. (2003). Manual for the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (2nd ed.). Toronto: Multi-Health Systems.
- Hare, R. D., Frazelle, G. L., & Kopecky, J. A. (1991). The assessment of psychopathy in prisons. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 14(1-2), 139-149.
- Kavoussi, R. J., Kaplan, R. F., & Kruse, M. L. (1998). Psychopathy and physical aggression: A preliminary investigation. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 25(3), 330-345.
- Shaw, D. S., Gilliom, M., & Dishion, T. J. (2002). Patterns of risk and protective processes in a family-centered model of juvenile delinquency. Journal of Family Psychology, 16(2), 247-262.
