Observation

SSSP Provides Opportunities for Psychopathy Researchers

SSSP_logo_webA layperson’s conception of psychopathic personality might involve psychosis, mental illness, and violent behavior, but none of these things is actually equivalent to psychopathy. While psychopathy is one risk factor for aggression, psychopaths are usually rational people, and they can be found throughout society.

Members of the Society for the Scientific Study of Psychopathy (SSSP) are working against common misconceptions in an effort to “better understand the characteristics and causes of psychopathy, as well as better ways of detecting it, treating it, and ultimately preventing its destructive manifestations.”

Scott O. Lilienfeld, an APS James McKeen Cattell Fellow and the President of SSSP, was co-author of the 2011 Psychological Science in the Public Interest (PSPI) report “Psychopathic Personality: Bridging the Gap Between Scientific Evidence and Public Policy.” Lilienfeld hopes psychological scientists — as well as students, clinicians, educators, journalists, attorneys, and other concerned parties — consider joining the society for benefits such as access to the latest information on psychopathy research and membership to a community that includes the field’s top experts.

More information is available on the SSSP website.

ResearchBlogging.org Skeem, J. L., Polaschek, D. L. L., Patrick, C. J., & Lilienfeld, S. O. (2011). Psychopathic personality: Bridging the gap between scientific evidence and public policy. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 12 (3), 95-162 DOI: 10.1177/1529100611426706

Comments

I would like to know if there is or has been a study into psychopathy and drug addicts? I am a hardcore 20 year drug addic (in recovery) who sold dope. During this time I became a cold, calculating, uncaring, emotionally disconnected, violent person. I committed some extremely unspeakable acts. Short of murder nothing was taboo. I have yet to read anything about this, it is disturbing to me because I know for a fact that a ratio of at least 1 in 7 drug addicts are EXTREMELY PSYCHOPATHIC!

I have psychopathy , borderline personality , bi-polar , sexual sadism disorder . I have been in and out off therapy for the last 20 years and still in therapy , I think I have actully got worse . I am based in Sydney Australia , I have been trying to find a someone who treats ( although psychopathy appears to be untreatable , ) psychopathy . I have found no one who is experienced or qualified . I find psychopathy along with my “array” of “diagnosis” makes for a very complex treatment program. I would really love to know if there are any new treatment programs for psychopathy . The stigma of psychopathy is very real. People are scared when I tell them I am a psychopath !!


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