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Comparative Research Essay

Mariia Kyrychenko (101377597)

George Brown College

COMM 1190: Critical Thinking to Scholar Writing

Professor Katye Seip

December 15, 2021

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Psychopathy is described as a mixture of different personality traits and socially abnormal

behaviors. Psychopathy is a topic of extreme interest among the psychological community and

stimulates wide debate on its various aspects. Psychopathy is a personality disorder that features

include increased fearlessness, shallow affect, callousness, and poor behavioral inhibition (Gatner et

al.,2016, p.261). The actions of psychopaths often come at a large cost to society and its citizens,

and their empathetic deficit is one of the reasons psychopaths can be so efficiently destructive in

many people’s lives. People with psychopathic traits may seek out therapy. And just like anyone

else who is afflicted with a mental illness — although one can never be fully cured — perhaps with

the right treatment, psychopaths can learn to lead normal lives, one day at a time. When choosing a

treatment and a suitable specialist, patients study all aspects and compare the cognitive-behavioral

and psychological approaches. Although, the therapeutic methods of ABA and psychology are alike,

there are dissimilarities about general definition, diagnosis process and follow-up treatment between

them. In order to investigate the origin, preferential approach to deal with psychopathic personality

disorder and psychology rehabilitation methodology will be compared based on cause ideas and

successive management.

The definition/origin of psychopathy is not straightforward because of many factors

attributed to the mental disorder. Through the lenses of behavioral analyst, the current theories of

psychopathy fail to explain antisocial behavior because the emphasis is on affective and inhibitory

deficits rather than motivation. Antisocial behavior is appetitive, which can only be explained by an

attachment theory. Psychopathic personality has received much attention in research in relation to

emotions and self-regulation but has been neglected when it comes to motivation. An ethological

framework provides a solid foundation for a motivational theory of psychopathy. According to this

theory, psychopathic behaviors are the outcome of abnormal dominance responses and impaired

salience attribution (Teffelen et al.,2021, p.85). Garofalo et al. (2019) suggest that “psychopaths

have a faulty caregiving behavioral system as well as a highly disordered caring motivation system

and in psychopathic individuals, the sexual behavior system does not facilitate bonds with partners,
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so they engage in sexual promiscuity and coercion’’ (p.180) Many psychopathic individuals rely on

social relationships to meet their material needs and power goals. They maintain long-term social

ties and show caregiving behaviors as part of their effort to control resources. In recent studies, the

Five Factor Model has been applied to examining the construct of psychopathy. Psychopathy entails

reduced scores in five facets of agreeableness (straightforwardness, altruism, compliance, modesty,

tender mindedness; three facets of conscientiousness (dutifulness, self-discipline, and deliberation);

and one facet each of neuroticism (self-consciousness) and extraversion (warmth); and elevated

scores in impulsiveness from neuroticism and excitement seeking from extraversion. Considering

their low levels of agreeableness and high levels of interpersonal conflict, such adults would exhibit

a dismissive or avoidant attachment style and show little enjoyment from closeness. Conditions that

are used as risk factors for antisocial personality disorder, including substance use, attention deficit

hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), impaired reading ability, or conduct disorder that is diagnosed in

children. Experience theories that put people at risk of developing antisocial personality disorder

provide important information for preventing it.  Examples of such life experiences include

childhood history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, ignorance, or abandonment,

peers who exhibit antisocial behavior, or parents who are either antisocial or alcoholic.

Unlike behavioral analysis approach, the field of psychology tries to explain behavioral

variation by appealing to internal causes that are seen to be intrinsic to the mind (e.g., mood states,

personality traits, hypothesized structures such as egos and drives). Psychopathy is an extremely

complex subcategory of a specific personality disorder. Using modern psychology technologies,

scientists can detect psychopathy by using various techniques to examine the human brain.

Traditional theory claims that psychopaths are unable to experience fear, empathy, and a host of

other emotions - which is a kind of anesthetic for their social cognition and which, in turn, is

compensated by the inability to express such feelings by those who encounter psychopaths. I would

like to figure out what caused this exceptional feature of their brain. Probably everyone has the idea

that different parts of the cerebral cortex provide a variety of functionalities. There is an area that is
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associated with the experience of several emotions, risk assessment and decision-making

(ventromedial prefrontal cortex) (Teffelen et al.,2021, p.79).  There is also the amygdala, which

plays a key role in shaping basic emotions, including pleasure and fear.   Amygdala and

ventromedial prefrontal cortex must interact effectively. According to psychologists’ approach, the

cause of disturbances in the normal emotional life of a psychopath is a lack of coordination between

two areas of the brain: the amygdala and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (Gullhaugen et al.,2021,

p.294). The brain of psychopaths, in principle, perceives reality differently due to the increased

activity of the dopamine system. I would like to emphasize this: there are no disturbances in the

work of the areas of the brain that form emotions, as well as those that evaluate the situation and

make decisions.  It is the coordination between them that is broken.

According to ABA, the most important role in the prevention and treatment of psychopathies

belongs to pedagogical measures, as well as social and labor structure. Cognitive behavioural

therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues.

This method is frequently referred to as the "gold standard" in the treatment of psychopathy. It is

widely used and has been demonstrated to be effective for improving specific skills and reducing

problem behaviours. It is used to treat a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, and sleep

disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to change a person's mindset by influencing

their thoughts and behaviors. CBT for psychopathy usually takes about five months, with weekly

50-minute sessions. Therapists in cognitive behavioral therapy believe that unhelpful ways of

thinking and behaving are caused by psychological disorders. People who are experiencing

unwanted feelings associated with depression or aggression can work on changing their thoughts

and behaviors to improve their moods. Compulsions and addictions can be treated by altering one's

thought patterns and investigating the impact of one's emotions. To establish and achieve the

desired outcomes, the therapist and the client form a collaborative relationship. ( Gullhaugen,et

al.,2021,p299)Trust makes the client feel confident that the therapist is looking out for their best

interests. Another good method of treatment is DBT. DBT is a treatment method that was originally
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developed for people with a borderline personality disorder. However, research shows that DBT can

also be helpful for people with psychopathic personality disorder.  As part of Dialectical Behavioral

Therapy (DBT), clients learn skills as well as problem-solving strategies to

identify and change extreme or maladaptive behaviours, as well

as to manage and tolerate their emotional distress. According to DBT, behaviors arise from

maladaptive thoughts, feelings, sensations, and actions. (Garofalo et al.,2019) DBT therapists

believe that the inability to deal with or regulate painful emotions is frequently at the root of mental

illnesses such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and psychopathy. As a

result, clients and therapists work together to identify and replace distress-inducing behaviours with

more adaptive ones. Clients are taught acceptance skills in order to help them accept themselves,

others, and the world as it is. The skills are also taught to help them change their lives by better

managing their emotions and behaviors’ more difficult cases of psychopathy disorder, exposure

therapy is the right choice. Due to an increased level of anxiety, aggression, etc., psychopaths often

resort to various types of addictions as a way to forget and escape from their problems and

unwanted feelings. The exposure therapy (ET) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that can

help individuals become desensitized to their fears. A common type of exposure therapy (SD) is

systematic desensitization.SD is made up of three steps. The therapist begins by teaching the client

relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. The therapist and client then

collaborate to create a hierarchy of anxiety-inducing situations. They assign a stress level to each

situation ranging from 0 to 10, with 0 being the least stressful and 10 being the most stressful.

Finally, the client begins to expose themselves to each situation on the hierarchy. (Garofalo et

al.,2019) They begin with the least stressful situation and gradually progress to the most stressful

situation. They can use the relaxation techniques they learned earlier if they become anxious during

an exposure. In contrast to relying on drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety, exposure therapy can

help people manage their anxieties. Additionally, it can help them deal with addiction-related fears,

such as withdrawal symptoms.

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In comparison, psychologists recommend drug therapy. Psychopathy therapy performed

during periods of decompensation. If the condition is in the stage of compensation, then the

treatment of psychopathy is not carried out. (Gatner et al.,2016, p.260)   Preventive measures for

decompensation include measures of social impact: education at school, in the family, social

adaptation and adequate employment, which will correspond to the mental makeup of the

individual, as well as the level of intelligence.  Decompensation uses methods of psychotherapeutic

influence (autogenous training, explanatory psychotherapy, family psychotherapy, hypnosis), as

well as drug treatment. Autogenic training is a relaxation technique focusing on promoting feelings

of calm and relaxation in your body to help reduce stress and anxieties. (Gatner et al.,2016, p.263)

More specifically, it helps mitigate anxieties resulting from situations or conditions that may

overwhelm patients with stress, frustration, or sadness. Autogenic training is one of the options for

self-hypnosis.  With its help, a person can have a significant impact on mental and vegetative

processes in the body, including those that do not lend themselves to voluntary conscious

regulation. The appointment of psychotropic drugs is strictly dependent on psychopathological

reactions, as well as personal characteristics. Individuals with emotional fluctuations are prescribed

antidepressants, pronounced hysterical individuals are prescribed small doses of antipsychotics

(Triftazin, Aminazin). Also, severe behavioral deviations are treated with such behavior correctors

as Sonapax, Neuleptil, aggressiveness are treated with antipsychotics (Haloperidol,

Tizercin). Severe asthenic abnormalities are treated with stimulants (Sydnocarb), as well as mild

natural preparations with stimulating effects (Chinese magnolia vine, ginseng, zamaniha,

eleutherococcus, leuzea). ( Gullhaugen,et al.,2021,p294)

Behavioral analysts define psychopathy as a congenital or acquired feature in the first years

of a child's life, due to which a person develops a specific model of behavior and such character

traits that society considers negative. Genes may be responsible for some individuals being

vulnerable to developing this type of disorder. But no single gene is responsible for the disorder. It

is about multiple genes that combine to generate that vulnerability. And on the other hand, the risk
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of suffering from the disorder could vary depending on the number of genes shared by an individual

with someone who suffers from the disease. The vulnerability-stress model is the dominant theory

in this field. The theory assumes that in order for a disorder to develop, a vulnerability must exist,

which can be triggered by various stressors that may cause it to manifest. According to some

studies, brain damage or dysfunction may play a role in the development of the disorder. In these

subjects, however, there appears to be a lack of connectivity between the amygdala (responsible for

emotion regulation) and the prefrontal cortex. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin

have also been studied for their effects. (Garofalo et al.,2019) To obtain an accurate diagnosis, a

mental health professional will conduct a full mental health evaluation. The mental health

professional will assess a person's thoughts, feelings, behaviour patterns, and relationships during

this process. They will identify symptoms and compare them to the DSM-5 ASPD symptoms. The

behaviour analyst will also look at the patient's medical history. This comprehensive evaluation is

essential because ASPD frequently co-occurs with other mental health and addictive disorders.

Psychologists also believe that psychopathies arise based on the interaction of

congenital or early acquired biological inferiority of the nervous system and the influence of the

external environment.  Diagnosis based on partial deviations in normal human behavior is not

possible.  If an individual has some traits of psychopathy in the form of, for example, excessive

pedantry, this still does not give us the right to diagnose him with psychopathy.  In this case, we are

talking about personality accentuation, and not about deformation.  Unlike psychopaths,

accentuated individuals can internalize social norms and adapt to life in society. The diagnostic

stage requires a certain amount of time. A psychiatrist is involved in the diagnostic process,

supplementing the medical data with test methods and a special PSL-R questionnaire.  He also

makes additional recommendations for treatment.  When diagnosing, it is important not only to

establish the psychopathic type, but also the stage of the process: сcompensated, subcompensated or

decompensated. The PCL-instrument is the most used tool for diagnosing psychopathy (the

Psychopathic Checklist). Many clinical psychologists and psychiatrists regard this instrument as
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valid and reliable. It is built on a two-factor model, with factor 1 containing interpersonal and

affective personality traits and factor 2 containing socially deviant traits. (Pitchford et al.,2019

p.196)

To conclude, Psychopathy continues to raise interest and concern because of its unique

characteristics as well as its effect on society at large. According to psychology and behavior

researchers, psychopaths are born - they are most likely genetically predisposed. Psychopaths in

general have difficulty forming genuine emotional attachments with others. They form shallow,

false relationships in order to benefit themselves. Psychopaths view people as pawns to achieve

their goals, rarely feel guilty about their actions, no matter how much they harm others.

Psychopathy usually manifests itself in childhood. Psychopaths tend to behave in a way that

violates the basic rights or safety of others. As children, they frequently break the rules (or even the

laws) and societal norms. Despite significant differences in approaches to treatment, diagnosis, etc.,

representatives of behavioral analysis and psychology fields both manage to help people and save

lives.
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References

Teffelen, M. W., Vancleef, L. M., & Lobbestael, J. (2021). Provoked aggression, psychopathy, and

narcissism: Comparing the impact of social exclusion and insult. Psychology of

Violence, 11(1), 82-91. doi:10.1037/vio0000340

Garofalo, C., Neumann, C. S., Zeigler-Hill, V., & Meloy, J. R. (2019). Spiteful and contemptuous: A

new look at the emotional experiences related to psychopathy.  Personality Disorders:

Theory, Research, and Treatment, Retrieved

from:http://dx.doi.org.gbcprx01.georgebrown.ca/10.1037/per0000310

Gatner, D. T., Douglas, K. S., & Hart, S. D. (2016). Examining the incremental and interactive

effects of boldness with meanness and disinhibition within the triarchic model of

psychopathy. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 7(3), 259-268.

doi:10.1037/per0000182

Gullhaugen, A., Heinze, P., & Kornev, S. C. (2021). The theoretical validation of the Dynamic

Model of Psychopathy (DMP): Toward a reformulation of the construct, assessment, and

treatment of psychopathic traits.  Psychoanalytic Psychology,38(4), 290-299.

doi:10.1037/pap0000336

Pitchford, B., & Arnell, K. M. (2019). Speech of young offenders as a function of their

psychopathic tendencies. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology/Revue Canadienne

De Psychologie Expérimentale, 73(3), 193-201. doi:10.1037/cep0000176