The psychopathic trait is demonstrated through non empathetic acts. It is commonly assumed that individuals with the psychopathic trait also posses Machiavellianism and Narcissism. The three usually related traits are collectively referred to as the ‘Dark Triad’ regarded by many as representative of the extreme end of human malevolence. A research was done to establish if the presence of Machiavellianism and Narcissism traits predict Psychopathy. In the research a group of 50 undergraduate students were asked to complete a series of personality questionnaires investigating the “Dark Triad” of personality (Lee & Ashton, 2005). The answers were given in a scale of 10, where 1 represented low and 10 represented high. The mean scores for traits …show more content…
Results
A bivariated correlation test was done on the data. Pearson correlation test revealed a strong positive correlation between Narcissism and Psychopathy (Table 1) at 0.846 (the significance level is 0.01). The correlation between psychopathy and Machiavellianism was very weak and negative at -0.013, while that between Machiavellianism and Narcissism was also very weak and negative at – 0.073.
Cronbalch’s alpha score was 0.016
Other values computed were as stated;
R2 = 0.004, F = 0.089, p = 0.915 (see tables 1.2, and 1.3)
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What we were interested in is to gauge if the presence of the Psychopathic trait in individuals coincided with similar levels of the other two traits. To prove that the other two traits can be used to predict psychopathy, we needed at least correlation in any or both of the other traits and the absence of a high negative correlation with any of the traits. A measures of between 0 and 0.3 signify a low correlation, while figures those between 0.3 and 0.5 signify mid correlation. A figure between 0.5 and 1 indicates a high correlation (Andale, 2012). The –ve or +ve sign before the figure indicates whether it is a negative correlation or positive correlation respectively.
Reliability was tested and the figures obtained for Cronbalch’s alpha were low at 0.016. Cronbalch’s alpha results can be supplemented by other tests to increase accuracy.
The multiple regression equation for predicting psychopathy can be given from the model:
Based on the total means, the values of A and B were computed from the total means and standard deviations from each trait group.
The means and Standard deviations for each case were:
Category Mean SD
Psych 14.0788
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...
One area of research in psychopathy focuses on the set of structures in the brain known as the limbic system, but more specifically on a structure known as the amygdala. According to neuropsychology class slides, the amygdala is involved in emotions and storage of emotions in memory as well as the fear response when encountering threatening environmental stimuli. Osumi and colleagues (2012) note that the affective and interpersonal facets of psychopathy, such as cold-heartedness and lack of empathy, which are thought to be the core features of psychopathy, are associated with reduced activity in the amygdala. This is coupled with the fact that a less functional amygdala is associated with a psychopathic individual’s exhibition of antisocial behaviors, at least in part because he will not perceive the threat of punishment as a consequence of his actions. So whether it be the acts against other people or the acts of justice that may be carried out against the perpetrator, the psychopath will perceive both as less significant, as compared to a non-psychopathic individual. (Osumi et al., 2012)
Another mark on the checklist is the violations of social norms and an aimless life (Hare, 1993). The psychopath is highly impulsive and has a constant need for excitement (Hare, 1993). The Psychopathy Checklist is filled with the basic characteristic of a person with a psychopathy
One trait that psychopaths have is an overblown sense of self-worth (Baker). Robert Hare, the leading specialist in psychiatry, has made a psychopathy checklist to determine if someone has psychopathic tendencies. The second trait of his list is “Inflated view of his abilities and self-worth Psychopaths
...res of the psychopaths and gives the reader various examples of these individuals playing out these characteristics in everyday life. A widely used checklist is provided so the reader can get a wide spanning view of what is accounted for when scoring a psychopath. This form of research is very important within the deceitfulness of this population; it allows the professional to ignore their words and examine their actions. Hare made it clear that it is not uncommon for there to be an emotional and verbal disconnect from their actions. With virtually no emotional functioning psychopaths feel no remorse for the offenses that they commit and it is very important that we work towards using the opportunities we have to study and assist these populations; not only for them but for ourselves.
Triarchic Conceptualization of Psychopathy: Developmental Origins of Disinhibition, Boldness, and Meanness. " Development and Psychopathology 21.03 (2009): 913–9. Cambridge Journals. 7 July 2009. Web.
Therefore, when the partner provides negative feedback, an individual with narcissistic characteristics becomes upset or angry. They feel that they do not get what they deserve, which stems from their sense of entitlement. Especially individuals with vulnerable narcissistic traits react to this sort of provocation with reactive and displaced aggression (Krizan & Johar, 2015). Vulnerable narcissism is the more covert, introvert, feeling entitled, exploitative, self-absorbed, and aggressive form of narcissism. The more known form of narcissism is grandiose narcissism. This is the more overt, extravert, exhibitionist, high self-esteem, feeling entitled and hostile form of narcissism. It was only until recently that research started to divide narcissism in these two forms of narcissism (Lamkin, Campbell, van Dellen & Miller, 2015, Pincus & Lukowitsky, 2010). It has led to interesting discoveries, such as a gender difference (in the traditional binary form) in what kind of narcissism is shown the most in individuals. For overall narcissism, men show higher
According to research, psychopathic behavior can take many forms not all of which are violent. Ultimately psychiatrists say that there are pieces of a brain’s emotional machinery missing. As a result making psychopaths lack empathy, guilt or the ability to simply sow remorse (180rule.com). In an interview with James Fallon, a neuroscientist and neuroanatomist, states that there isn’t an acceptable definition of the word, psychopaths and that some psychologists do not even recognize it as a syndrome (Flatow). The closest way to identify a psychopath is through the Psychopathy Checklist – Revised, commonly known as the PCL-R (Hare). This test is used to determine if an individual has a mid- psychopathic disturbance, moderate psychopathic disturbance or if they are psychopathic (Brinkley). The test is scored on a 3 point scale (0, 1, and 2) with the highest score being a 40 which denotes a prototypical psychopath (Hare). When an individual scores a 30 or above it will qualify the individu...
All the data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation of the mean (SD). The student t test, one-way and two- way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the least significant difference (LSD) tests were used. The p-value of <0.05 was accepted.
Jakobwitz, S. (2006). "The 'dark triad' and normal personality traits". Personality and Individual Differences 40 (2): 331–9. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2005.07.006
Washburn, J. J., & Paskar, L. D. (2011). Moving beyond parents in the etiology of narcissistic traits. In C. T. Barry, P. K. Kerig, K. K. Stellwagen, & T. D. Barry (Eds.), Narcissism and machiavellianism in youth: Implications for the development of adaptive and maladaptive behavior (pp. 145-157). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/12352-008
As analyzed by Freud, the story of Narcissus and its resulting condition can be divided into two categories: “regressive” versus “progressive” (Alford 35). Freud interprets narcissistic behavior as neither sick nor healthy, but indicative of the normal human condition.
Adolescent psychopathy and the Big Five: Results from two samples. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 33, 431–443. Magnavita, J. J. & Co. (2002). The 'Secondary' of the 'Second Theories of personality: Contemporary approaches to the science of personality. New York: Wiley & Co. Matthews, G., Deary, I. J., & Whiteman, M. C. (2009).
On the other hand, this study seeks to find out how being a narcissist affects the narcissist itself and the environment he is at, such as the work environment. More than discovering the enigma of how narcissists can be so charming yet so dry or apathetic, this study seeks ways that affect narcissists and coworkers in this case. Assessing the causes of narcissism and its effects in the work environment will reduce stress in the workplace and therefore, this study may serve as a guide to prevent distress in the workplace. This study may have a great impact in fast-paced work environments, especially where all employees have to deal with customers as well. This study hypothesizes that people who score high on the Narcissist Scale will be more likely to have issues when interacting with others, especially co-workers.
Machiavellianism is the behaving in a manner that disregards morality and others, and is focused on self-interest. Manipulation and deception is used for self-gain.it is seen in politics and the functioning of nations. Narcissism is egotistic admiration of a person’s own attributes and is characterized by a lack of empathy and has high focus on themselves. Psychopathy is characterized by impulsivity, anti-social behavior and having a lack of remorse. It is the tendency to show little or no regard for the emotions and feelings of others (Medina, 2016).