Psychopathic Offenders, Treatment of

Psychopathy is a clinical construct characterized by a set of social, emotional, and behavioral features that, in serious cases, can have destructive social consequences. Socially, prototypical psychopaths often project a smooth but insincere charm, come across as engaging but shallow conversationalists, and are often seen as quite likable by creating a positive yet facile first impression with many people they interact with. However, beneath the surface, they tend to be quite narcissistic, have a grandiose and inflated sense of self-worth, are deceitful and manipulative, and prone to use these qualities to exploit or otherwise take advantage of unsuspecting people they encounter. Psychopaths experience a shallow and limited range of emotion; they form shallow and disingenuous relationships and weak attachments with others. Lacking a conscience and ...