Diagnosing Psychopathy: The Triarchic Model by Christopher J. Patrick

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Psychopathy has fascinated the public for years due to the gruesome and evil portrayal it has received in the media. Psychopathy is defined in the DSM-III as a personality disorder characterized by enduring antisocial behavior, diminished empathy and remorse, and disinhibited or bold behavior (Patrick, Christopher, Fowles, Krueger, Rober, 2009). Psychopathy represents a cluster of different dimensions of personality found amongst the general population to varying degrees (Patrick et al, 2009). The diagnostic definition is meant to be applied to adults, however psychopathology can occur in children. Controversy surrounds the topic of childhood mental illness because the brain is not fully developed until the age of 18; thus allowing the possibility that symptoms are the result of growing up and will change. The triarchic model, formulated by Christopher J. Patrick, is the most commonly used model in diagnosing adult and childhood psychopathy. This model suggests that different conceptions of psychopathy emphasize three observable characteristics to varying degrees; boldness, disinhibition and meanness (Patrick, et al, 2009). Boldness is the first observable characteristic and is comprised of low fear including stress-tolerance, toleration of unfamiliarity and danger, and high self-confidence and social assertiveness. Disinhibition; characterized by poor impulse control including problems with planning and foresight, lacking affect and urge control, demand for immediate gratification, and poor behavioral restraints. Meanness is defined as lacking empathy and close attachments with others, disdain of close attachments, use of cruelty to gain empowerment, exploitative tendencies, defiance of authority, and destructive excitement seek... ... middle of paper ... ...sychopathy: Developmental origins of disinhibition, boldness, and meanness". Development and Psychopathology (Cambridge University Press) 21 (3): 913–938. doi:10.1017/S0954579409000492. Retrieved January 6, 2014. Robert, Clifford, Attkisson & Rosenblatt (1998). Prevalence of Psychopathology among Children and Adolescents. American Journal of Psychology, 155:715-725. Salekin, Randall, Lynam, Donald, (2010). Treatment of child and adolescent psychopathy: Focusing on change. Handbook of Child and Adolescent Psychopathy. , (pp. 343-373). New York, NY, US: Guilford Press, xi, 451 pp. Tackett, J. L., Lahey, B. B., van Hulle, C., Waldman, I., Krueger, R. F., & Rathouz, P. J. (2013). Common genetic influences on negative emotionality and a general psychopathology factor in childhood and adolescence. Journal Of Abnormal Psychology, 122(4), 1142 1153. doi:10.1037/a0034151

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