Deck 4: Psychopathy

Question 1

Psychopathy is defined as:

A) a behavioral disorder
B) a cluster of avoidant personality characteristics
C) a cluster of interpersonal, affective, and behavioral characteristics
D) a cluster of physical and biological characteristics

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which of the following characteristics pertains to both Cleckley's conceptualization of primary psychopathy as well as Hare's PCL-R?"

A) unusual behavior after alcohol consumption
B) absence of delusions
C) proneness to boredom
D) lack of remorse

Answer 2

D

Question 3

When being interviewed by police or forensic mental health practitioners, how is a psychopathic offender -------------------------------likely to present?

A) empathic
B) intelligent
C) charming
D) as though s/he is driving the interview

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which type of sexual offender is most likely to be psychopathic?

A) adult-target rapist
B) inter-familial child molester
C) one who commits sexual homicide
D) extra-familial child molester

Question 5

Which of the following characteristics describes psychopathic violence?

A) cold-blooded and/or calculated
B) emotional
C) anxious and/or panicked
D) delusional

Question 6

Which of the following is true of psychopathy?

A) psychosis is not indicative of psychopathy
B) it is incurable
C) features include: shallow affect, impulsivity, lack of remorse, superficial charm, and stimulation seeking
D) all of the above

Question 7

Review the exploits of Ferdinand Demara. Identify the various psychopathic traits illustrated by his behavior.

Question 8

Compare and contrast primary and criminal psychopaths.

Question 9

Briefly summarize the Hillside Strangler case and identify potential indicators of psychopathy as displayed by Bianchi.

Question 10

Discuss the impact of psychopathy on non-sexual violence and homicide.(Hint: Consider whether psychopathic violence is reactive or instrumental in nature.)

Question 11

In addition to committing sadistic acts of violence, list three ways in which psychopaths are likely to violate the rights of others.

Question 12

Discuss the differences among psychopathy, sociopathy, and ASPD.

Question 13

Identify and describe the four types of psychopaths discussed in the text.

Question 14

Discuss how the behavioral patterns of female psychopaths differ from those of their male counterparts.

Question 15

Review the Christopher Porco case. Discuss the techniques utilized by the interviewer which were ineffective and identify approaches that may have proven more efficacious. Contrast this with the interview of Gary Ridgway.

Question 16

Explain psychopathy as a brain dysfunction.