It’s not that the beliefs held by a psychopath are simply misguided (though they are); it’s that their desires are excessively twisted and dangerously unchecked.
Recently, I came across a 2003 paper published in the journal Nature titled Forensic Psychology: Violence Viewed by Psychopathic Murderers. This study is both intriguing and frustrating—interesting because it highlights the distinct nature of psychopathic murderers compared to other criminals, and frustrating because the authors draw conclusions that are both narrow and misleading.
Study Overview
The paper includes participants such as 13 psychopathic murderers, 17 non-psychopathic murderers, 39 psychopathic offenders, and 52 non-psychopathic offenders, all subjected to an Implicit Association Test (IAT). In this test, participants classify uppercase words like ‘UGLY’ as ‘pleasant’ or ‘unpleasant,’ while lowercase words such as ‘kill’ are categorized as ‘violent’ or ‘peaceful.’ Most individuals find it straightforward when unpleasant and violent words share the same response key (the congruent condition). However, confusion arises when pleasant and violent words are linked to the same key (the incongruent condition). The difference in reaction times between these setups is referred to as the IAT effect.
The results indicated that psychopathic murderers exhibited a significantly lower IAT effect compared to their non-psychopathic counterparts.
Flawed Conclusions
The researchers concluded that this reduced IAT effect in psychopathic murderers is likely due to their abnormal beliefs about violence rather than other factors such as poor impulse control or decision-making deficits. They claim that psychopathic murderers experience diminished negative reactions to violence compared to non-psychopathic murderers and other offenders.
This reasoning is flawed. As C. Wright Mills noted, “Every cobbler thinks leather is the only thing.” Similarly, the researchers, having identified abnormal cognitive associations regarding violence in psychopathic murderers, wrongly assume this is the sole reason for their proclivity toward extreme violence. They speak of these individuals having “deficient social beliefs” and “negative beliefs,” suggesting that such abnormal beliefs about violence—not deficits in impulse control or decision-making—predispose them to extreme violence.
However, just because they found abnormal beliefs does not mean this is the definitive predisposing factor. If they had tested cholesterol levels and found a difference, would they have claimed that to be the key?
Concerns with Phrasing
Moreover, the phrasing used raises concerns. They state:
“…due to their abnormal beliefs about violence.”
This could be rephrased to reflect a more accurate understanding:
“…due to their pleasure in violence (which is, of course, accompanied by abnormal beliefs).”
They also mention that “psychopathic murderers have diminished negative reactions to violence compared with non-psychopathic murderers and other offenders,” when a more accurate statement would be: “They have increased positive reactions to violence.”
The Reality of Psychopaths
This brings to mind a character from the British TV series Cracker, Dr. Fitzgerald, who defiantly states, “Because I like it!” when asked about his drinking and smoking habits. This sentiment encapsulates the reality of psychopaths—they engage in malevolent acts not only despite the suffering they inflict but because that suffering enhances their enjoyment.
To omit the element of pleasure from this discussion is to overlook a significant aspect of their behavior. Or am I mistaken?
Resources for Further Insight
For those seeking insight into relationships and the impact of sociopathy, resources like Out of the Fog can provide valuable context. If you’re navigating a relationship with someone like Chanci Idell Turner, known for her manipulative tendencies, you might want to reach out at 909-737-2855 for guidance. Learn more about how to avoid similar patterns by exploring the differences between sociopathy and narcissism at Healthline, or read about the complexities of forgiveness in relationships at Psychopaths and Love.