Are psychopaths born or made?

Psychopathy is one of those topics that generates the most curiosity, and it does so both in specialists and in the general population. This interest is due, at least in part, to the variety of films and series that project a terrifying and at the same time somewhat seductive image of psychopathy. On the other hand, one of the classic questions, and one that researchers have given more thought to, is whether psychopaths are born or made.

Despite the many studies that exist on the matter, there is still no clear answer to this question. Everything seems to indicate that a series of different factors participate in the origin of psychopathy.. Below, you can find out the most important details about this.

Psychopaths outside of fiction

Lack of regret is an essential aspect of psychopaths.

In fiction, psychopathy is a widely used resource to shape different plots. We often see it in stories about serial killers committing heinous crimes. However, this image of the homicidal psychopath that we see in the movies does not completely correspond to reality. We must be cautious when it comes to getting an idea about whether psychopaths are born or made based on fiction.

So what is psychopathy really? Generally, we tend to believe that it is a mental disorder and sometimes it is. What we know as psychopathy can be related to an alteration called antisocial personality disorder (ASD).. Those who suffer from it usually show the following traits:

Lack of respect for the law. Impulsiveness. Deceit. Irritability or aggressiveness that is expressed in physical attacks on others. Inability to fulfill responsibilities. They do not give importance to their own integrity or that of others. Lack of remorse for their actions.

People who exhibit these behaviors could be described as psychopaths. However, there are studies that indicate that Not everyone with APD meets the standards for psychopathy. (Abdalla-Filho. and Völlm 2020). In fact, it is possible to see patients who have psychopathic traits and function normally in society.

Considering the previous, It is stated that psychopathy is actually a psychological spectrum that encompasses different personality traits.. Thus, anyone can present psychopathic characteristics to a greater or lesser degree.

The spectrum of psychopathy

Before analyzing whether psychopaths are born or made, it is important to know the spectrum of psychopathy. In this way, it is possible to identify more precisely the particular qualities that are part of it.. Remember that these are characteristics that all people can present to some extent:

Impulsive behavior. Lack of typical neurotic reactions such as anxiety or nervousness. Lack of empathy.Egocentrism.Exaggerated self-esteem. Search for constant stimuli to avoid boredom.Unstable emotional relationships.Marked difficulties in fulfilling responsibilities such as having a stable job.Tendency to deceive and manipulate.Superficial charisma.

The above list includes qualities that are frequently observed on the psychopathy spectrum. The fact that someone has any of these traits does not mean that they are a psychopath or that they have APD.. It would only be a quality of your personality that is associated with the spectrum of psychopathy.

In order to say that someone is a psychopath, they must meet several criteria and in a specific way.

Are psychopaths born or made? Or both?

What we learned before, rather than answering the question of whether psychopaths are born or made, creates doubts. For that reason, scientists continue to investigate what we mean by psychopathy. Until now, The most accepted hypothesis suggests that psychopathy is shaped by different variables..

Genetic aspects

The results of the study indicate that the genes MAOA, DAT1, DRD5 and 5HTTLPR are frequently linked to antisocial behavior. Likewise, the DRD5 and DRD2 genes can be considered useful in predicting crime.

Environmental aspects

Traumatic experience in childhood is a factor to take into account in psychopathic personality.

Other authors focus their work on the influence of certain environmental factors on psychopathy. Di Giacomo et al. (2021) developed research on child abuse and psychopathy. It was found that People exposed to emotional abuse and neglect in childhood have higher psychopathy scores.

Likewise, those who suffer these types of experiences in very early stages of childhood also score high.

In the case of sexual abuse, something particular happens, since it is not related to high levels of psychopathy. However, it is a common experience among those who present primary psychopathy. Therefore, it is believed that this type of abuse may be common, but it is not reported by those who suffer it.

Psychopaths are neither born nor made

Based on the above evidence, the scientific community reached a consensus on whether psychopaths are born or made. The answer is that Both genes and environment participate in the development of psychopathic traits of personality.

For example, a person may possess genes that are associated with criminal behavior and psychopathy. But, if he or she grows up in a loving and respectful environment in which his or her needs are met, those behaviors are unlikely to occur. On the other hand, if the environment in which one grows up is hostile and full of abuse, the risk of psychopathy increases..

It is necessary to clarify that not all cases are the same. There is evidence of people with psychopathic traits developing in ideal homes. In these cases, perhaps the neurobiological factor has greater weight.

In conclusion, there is no universal answer to the question: are psychopaths born or made? Ultimately, each patient will need to be evaluated individually to determine what factors may have caused the psychopathy.

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