Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology; College of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Alison Clabaugh

Abstract

Psychopathy is a popular phenomenon in the media today, with varying research on what the disorder truly entails. Psychopathy is described as a personality disorder that is categorized by antisocial behavior, lack of remorse and empathy, and egotistical traits. There are many similarities found between psychopathy and other similar disorders, such as sociopathy and antisocial personality disorder. ASPD is the clinical diagnosis that psychopathy and sociopathy both fall under. There are many different theories and areas of research taken into account for the development of psychopathy. The nature vs nurture debate has been closely aligned with this subject of research. The two sides provide essential information for the development of psychopathy. The nature side focuses on different biological and genetic predispositions that may lead someone to possess psychopathic characteristics. The nurture side focuses on societal and environmental factors, such as parental relationships, attachment styles and traumatic events. Since psychopathy is still a newer area of interest, there is varying literature which makes it a difficult area to study.

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Defining, Differentiating, and Describing the Development of Psychopathy

Psychopathy is a popular phenomenon in the media today, with varying research on what the disorder truly entails. Psychopathy is described as a personality disorder that is categorized by antisocial behavior, lack of remorse and empathy, and egotistical traits. There are many similarities found between psychopathy and other similar disorders, such as sociopathy and antisocial personality disorder. ASPD is the clinical diagnosis that psychopathy and sociopathy both fall under. There are many different theories and areas of research taken into account for the development of psychopathy. The nature vs nurture debate has been closely aligned with this subject of research. The two sides provide essential information for the development of psychopathy. The nature side focuses on different biological and genetic predispositions that may lead someone to possess psychopathic characteristics. The nurture side focuses on societal and environmental factors, such as parental relationships, attachment styles and traumatic events. Since psychopathy is still a newer area of interest, there is varying literature which makes it a difficult area to study.