Table of ContentsIntroductionBodyConclusionReferences:IntroductionIntroduction: Psychopaths are involved in all forms of crime, especially violent crimes (Danka). In recent decades, many researchers have focused on the relationship between psychopathy and criminality (Danka). Psychopaths engaging in criminal behavior is an inevitable phenomenon that begs the question: what about psychopathy leads to crime? Is criminal behavior simply a symptom of psychopathy or is criminal behavior a direct consequence of the personality characteristics of psychopathy? The topic of psychopathy has been the subject of much research in recent years within the framework of forensic and criminal psychology (textbook). It can also be said that psychopathy is itself a theory of crime and a key explanation of antisocial behavior (Delisi). The importance of psychopathy on society and the criminal law system constitutes a major change in recent years (Danka). It is important to research psychopathy because it is not only one of the most important personality disorders in psychology, but also an important factor when discussing crime and its causes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayThesis Statement: The following essay will discuss whether psychopathy is a predictor of criminality. What psychopathy is and its characteristics will be described first. Next, the methods used to measure and diagnose psychopathy will be discussed, followed by research and data supporting the essay's position. It is clear from the evidence provided below that psychopathy is an indicator of criminality and if diagnosed in the early years it can be used to predict future criminality as well as recidivism. BodyContext: The notion of psychopathy was introduced in the 19th century by Koch and Kraeplin (Danka). Many psychological studies have demonstrated that the personality traits of a psychopath are prone to crime (Danka). Psychologists have stated that psychopathy is the most important clinical concept in the criminal justice system (Walters). Assessment of psychopathy can go a long way toward improving the understanding of psychopathy, the ability to predict it, and the management of criminal behavior (Glenn D. Walters). Topic sentence: Psychopathy is a clinical construct that is most often referred to as personality disorder (Délisi). Evidence and Citations: This disorder is defined by a set of interpersonal, lifestyle, affect, and behavioral characteristics that lead to antisocial behavior and further criminality (Delisi). When examining the interpersonal aspect of psychopathy, characteristics such as: superficial charm, narcissism, grandiose self-esteem, pathological lying and manipulation are present (Delisi). Regarding lifestyle, psychopaths have been found to lack realistic life goals and are impulsive and irresponsible (Delisi). The affective aspect of a psychopathic personality disorder is primarily characterized by a lack of empathy, superficial emotions, insensitivity, an inability to accept responsibility, and a lack of guilt or remorse (Delisi). They are essentially selfish, self-motivated, and only self-interested (Delisi). These characteristics, when present in the same individual, are diagnosed as psychopathy. The many antisocial behaviorsDisplayed by those who are classified as psychopaths include: poor behavioral control, early behavioral problems, juvenile delinquency, versatile criminal behavior (Delisi). Psychopathy and antisocial behavior are intrinsically consistent (Delisi) and psychopathy can be considered not only as a clinical construct for studying criminal offenders, but also all forms of antisocial behavior (Delisi). Topic Sentence: Many psychological studies believe that psychopathic offenders are different from other offenders, in particular psychological traits that are relevant to crime (Danka). Evidence and Citations: The type of violence displayed by psychopaths is more impartial, instrumental, and predatory than that of other offenders (Robert D. Hare, Ph.D). This violence is merciless and, in the majority of cases, motivated by greed, revenge, anger, retribution or money (Robert D. Hare, Ph.D). Wilson and Hernstein (1996) assert that antisocial behavior is a dichotomy and divides people into two groups of psychopaths and non-psychopaths. When looking at currently incarcerated individuals, the psychopathic population is responsible for the majority of serious crimes committed each year. Psychopaths behave and commit crimes differently than non-psychopath offenders because they have distinct "criminal careers" in terms of the type and amount of anti-social behavior they commit as well as the age at which they commit them. commit (Robert D. Hare, Ph.D). The typical "criminal career" of a psychopath is often short but extremely dedicated for most of their adolescent and adult life to delinquent and criminal activities (Robert D. Hare, Ph.D). they also typically begin engaging in antisocial behavior and criminal activities at a young age and continue to participate in these activities throughout their lives (Robert D. Hare, Ph.D). given this information, the predictability of crime among psychopaths is high. The prevalence of psychopathy among the general prison population, based on individual studies, is 15-20% in the prison population (H¨ akk ¨ anen-Nyholm). The defining characteristics that make a psychopath at high risk for aggression and violence and, therefore, crime (Robert D. Hare, Ph.D). A study by Hare and McPherson (1984) concluded that evidence of psychopathy in offenders leads to an increased likelihood of violence and aggressive behavior (ANH VIEN) and essentially predicts the likelihood of criminality among psychopaths. According to Gottfredson and Hirschi, 1990, self-control is the primary motive for delinquency, crime, and similar reckless behaviors such as gambling and cheating. The fact that psychopaths theoretically lack the essence of self-control means that they are prone to delinquency and criminal behavior (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990), with psychopathy therefore being a direct predictor of crime and crime. Topic Sentence: Clinicians often use psychopathy. Revised Checklist (PCL-R) for determining and diagnosing psychopathy in individuals. Evidence and Citations: The PCL-R is based on interview data and clinical record review and is composed of 20 items (Hare, 1991). These elements are: casualness and/or superficial charm, grandiose self-esteem, need for stimulation and/or tendency to boredom, pathological lying, cheating and/or manipulation, lack of remorse or guilt, superficial affect, insensitive and/or or lack of empathy, parasitic lifestyle, poor behavior control, promiscuous sexual behavior, problemsbehavior problems, lack of realistic long-term goals, impulsivity, irresponsibility, inability to accept responsibility for one's own actions, numerous short-term marital relationships, juvenile delinquency, parole revocation, and criminal versatility (Robert D. Hare , PhD* and Craig S. Neumann, PhD). Each item is rated on a 3-point scale, resulting in a total score between 0 and 40. A threshold of 30+ on this checklist is set and this way, those who score above 30 (the maximum PCL-R score being 40) are considered psychopathic and those who score lower are not (Hare, 1991, 2003). It is a very useful tool for predicting risk and recidivism (ANH VIEN). This PCL-R measure can be used to diagnose psychopathy and thus predict criminality (ANH VIEN). Individuals with a score above 30 will not only commit more violent and serious crimes, but will also be at higher risk of recidivism (ANH VIEN). Topic Sentence: Psychologists define psychopathy primarily by the characteristics of an individual that become the basis for such behavior and are evident at first glance (Danka). Evidence and Citations: They say that, by design, a psychopath is naturally inclined to commit criminal acts, which leads them to believe that crime is a logical consequence of psychopathy. Robert Hare (1993, p. 83). Psychopathy is a significant predictor of general delinquency and violent delinquency (Delisi). Juvenile delinquency among young psychopaths is a problem in many countries (Danka). It has been found that a fifth of the worst criminal offenses are committed by young offenders, most of them psychopaths (Danka). Psychopathy has the potential power to explain the cause of violent behavior and, for this reason, clinicians and researchers are increasingly using psychopathy as a marker to identify children and adolescents most likely to engage in violent behavior. violent crimes (Weir). Typically applied only to adults, psychopathy is increasingly used to look for antisocial behavior and personality traits in adolescents and children (Delisi). It has been found that there are overlaps between psychopathy in adults and children with respect to behavioral, cognitive, emotional and psychological aspects (Delisi). According to Forth, Hart, and Hare (1990), adolescents and children diagnosed with psychopathy had significantly more criminal histories, including violent offenses and institutional violence. Compared to their peers, psychopathic youth showed higher signs of aggression, greater violent and nonviolent delinquency, and antisocial behaviors. Commentary: Given this premise, it can be concluded that psychopathy is a predictor of crime and criminality to the extent that, if diagnosed early, psychopathic children can predict whether or not they will commit a crime as a child. future. Topic sentence: In a study conducted by Radulovic (2008a). ), a sample of 322 serious criminal offenders (with a subsample of 209 psychopaths), found that psychopathic offenders demonstrated more aggression, dissociated behaviors, amoral and hysterical beliefs, and lower levels of perceptual and verbal abilities compared to non-psychopathic offenders. . Evidence and Citations: This personality pattern found is serious and dangerous in the sense that it makes them more prone to commit chronic violent crimes (Radulovic, 2008a). Extensive research has revealed that psychopathy is the.