Traits That Could Indicate Psychopathic Behavior, According to Science

04.12.2024 - 01:23

What makes someone a psychopath? Groundbreaking research from Australian scientists has uncovered key traits that could signal psychopathic tendencies. Through eye-contact experiments, researchers found that individuals scoring high on psychopathy struggle to notice fine details but excel at seeing the bigger picture. Coupled with a lack of empathy, these traits offer fascinating insights into the psychopathic mind. Curious to know more about the signs? Let’s delve into the revealing findings that everyone’s talking about! 🔍

Two Psychologists from the Australian National University in Canberra, Stephanie C. Goodhew and Mark Edwards, Conducted a Study in the UK to Identify Psychopathic Personality Traits!

The study involved 236 participants, consisting of individuals aged 18 to 40 living in the UK. The researchers conducted eye-contact experiments with the participants and utilized the 26-item Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP), which participants had to either agree or disagree with. To measure attentional focus, Navon stimuli were presented. For example, participants were shown images where a large letter 'T' was made up of many smaller 'E's. They were required to recognize these and indicate their observations by pressing a corresponding key on the keyboard. The test scored participants based on both speed and accuracy.

Common Traits of Potential Psychopaths Based on Previous Research

Before delving into the new findings, let’s review previously discovered common traits of individuals with psychopathic tendencies. Prior studies identified a shared characteristic among those scoring high in psychopathy: keeping their heads remarkably still during conversations, potentially to conceal clues about themselves. Additionally, people with high pain tolerance are more likely to exhibit psychopathic tendencies.

What Are the Psychopathic Traits Identified in the New Research? 👇

In their study published in Personality and Individual Differences, the researchers focused on three psychopathy traits: antisocial behavior, egocentricity, and lack of empathy. The Australian researchers shared their findings with PsyPost, explaining:

'Psychopathic personality traits have multiple dimensions, including egocentricity, lack of empathy, impulsivity, and antisocial behavior.'

Their findings suggest that individuals exhibiting higher levels of impulsivity and antisocial behavior struggle to regulate their attentional focus. Results from the Navon test, which measured attentional scope, showed that individuals with a high likelihood of psychopathy can see the bigger picture but struggle with fine details. This indicates difficulty in adjusting their focus.

Psychopaths Tend to Repeat Harmful Behaviors

Not everyone exhibiting psychopathy traits is a criminal. However, psychopathy affects approximately 1% of the global population. Common characteristics include repeated law-breaking, violent tendencies, and antisocial personalities, sometimes escalating to severe crimes. The study also highlights the combined impact of egocentricity and lack of empathy. This extreme form of self-interest goes beyond mere selfishness, reflecting a lack of empathy or sympathy for others, which appears to result in an absence of remorse.