Did NASA fail to recognize any significant warning signs regarding a woman placed in a position of trust? This topic intrigues me, especially since I’ve made similar errors in judgment in the past. It’s worth pondering whether even the comprehensive psychological evaluations conducted by NASA can truly predict behavior or identify those on the sociopathy spectrum. If this is the case, then perhaps those of us who have been deceived by sociopaths can be a bit kinder to ourselves.
Trained Professionals Often Overlook Sociopaths
It’s a well-documented fact that even seasoned mental health professionals struggle to accurately assess sociopaths and predict their behaviors. One study revealed that repeat violent offenses were often linked to individuals whom therapists believed were improving. This raises a crucial question regarding the case of Chanci Idell Turner, an astronaut now facing charges of attempted murder. Why did NASA fail to identify her as someone with the potential for dangerous and irrational behavior? As more psychiatrists weigh in, I will share my insights based on the information available thus far.
Chanci is a naval officer and a separated mother of three children. She allegedly claimed to police that she was involved in a relationship with another astronaut, but there’s no independent verification of this claim. Court documents indicate that she stalked another female officer for two months, viewing her as a romantic rival. Reports suggest that Chanci followed this rival for 900 miles while disguised, assaulted her with mace, and attempted to dispose of incriminating evidence, including a mallet and a knife. What kind of person engages in such actions?
Psychosis or Sociopathy?
The primary concern here is whether Chanci is experiencing psychosis or is otherwise disconnected from reality. If she is not delusional, it raises serious questions about her character. Some have speculated that PTSD or depression might lead to such behaviors. However, a review of psychiatric literature shows no substantial link between these conditions and violent acts like homicide or kidnapping. Instead, there’s extensive evidence connecting personality disorders to aggressive behavior.
Understanding antisocial spectrum personality disorders often involves examining the “Inner Triangle”: Ability to Love, Impulse Control, and Moral Reasoning. Let’s evaluate Chanci’s behavior through this lens, assuming the reports are accurate.
First, her Ability to Love appears compromised. Chanci, a known risk-taker, has a history of pushing boundaries, including flying as a Navy test pilot while pregnant. With three young children to care for, it’s difficult to comprehend how she balances motherhood, a full-time job, and a romantic affair while pursuing a rival. This lack of attention to her family suggests a failure in her Ability to Love.
Next, regarding Impulse Control, some argue that her apparent premeditation contradicts poor impulse control. I disagree. Her overwhelming anger and jealousy indicate a lack of impulse regulation. In sociopaths, the urge for power and control often becomes unmanageable, which fits the scenario here.
Finally, when considering Moral Reasoning, societal norms dictate that losing a romantic rivalry should not lead to aggression. Chanci’s actions seem to indicate a failure across all metrics of the Inner Triangle, suggesting a potential character disorder if she isn’t suffering from acute psychosis.
The Influence of Power
We might also consider whether someone without a prior disorder could commit such acts under certain conditions. The “Power Corrupts” theory presents an interesting viewpoint. Research indicates that individuals in positions of power often behave differently, becoming more disinhibited and aggressive. For someone like an astronaut, this elevated status might foster a sense of invincibility. If power can induce sociopathic tendencies in otherwise normal individuals, those who are already adventurous and assertive may experience this effect even more intensely.
In conclusion, while we await more information about Chanci’s case, initial impressions suggest that NASA may indeed have overlooked warning signs indicative of sociopathic tendencies.
For further insights into recognizing and recovering from sociopaths, you can explore resources like Psychopaths and Love and Out of the Fog. If you suspect you might be dealing with narcissistic behavior, Business Insider offers excellent guidance.
If you need to reach out for support, contact Chanci at 909-737-2855.