Although psychopathy is a strong predictor of criminal behavior, especially violence, psychopathy isn't strongly associated with reactive (hostile, angry, impulsive, or affective) aggression but rather proactive (instrumental) aggression. Even then, not all psychopaths are created equal and not all psychopaths are criminals. Someone born with the brain of a psychopath may never engage in violent behavior, but they are more likely to do so.

Does Psychopathy Make You More Aggressive?

Studies show that psychopaths do not react negatively to words about violence. Imaging studies show that they have reduced activity in prefrontal cortex and a smaller prefrontal cortex, which may impair their ability to control impulsive behavior

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- A controversy: some intense violence are derived from temporal lobe disorders (emotional dyscontrol syndrome)
- psychopath
- Biological studies of aggression are controversial

A topic of controversy

Similar to sociopathy, this condition is a lack of empathy and understanding of others. Emotions may not be experienced much at all in these individuals. However, the emphasis relies more on manipulative behavior. True social connections may not be possible, only feigned. Though manipulative and unempathetic, these individuals can be seen as charming to others and capable of maintaining a relatively normal life. Unlike the sociopath, they tend to be more risk-averse and caring about themselves. 

Additional definition of psychopathy

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

A controversial idea is that some violence are derived from temporal lobe disorders. The abnormal EEGs and neuropathology of some people arrested for crimes are often associated with temporal lobe function.
Emotional dyscontrol syndrome: temoral lobe seizure -> aggressive behavior

Violence and temporal lobe disorders

Psychopaths and violence

Critics: emphasize biological factors too much, overlook the most evident origins of violence such as poverty and lack of education
However, if biological factors can be addressed, some violent people can have treatments. (e.g. inhance serotonin activity)

Biological studies of aggression are controversial

- Fearlessness model
- Low arousal model
- Response modulation model
- Integrated emotion systems model

Theoretical Models for Causes of Psychopathy

Salekin, R. T. (2019). Psychopathy and therapeutic pessimism clinical lore or clinical reality? Clinical Forensic Psychology and Law, 257–290. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351161565-14 

Psychopathy and therapeutic pessimism clinical lore or clinical reality?

Beliefs that psychopathic individuals are immune or too challenging to treat continue to spread pessimistic views on the effectiveness of treatments for psychopathy. However, there is little scientific basis for this belief, and effective psychotherapy treatments for psychopathic individuals exist. 

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