Main description:

Psychopathy: The Basics is an accessible text that provides a compact introduction to the major findings and debates concerning this complex personality disorder.

The book provides an overview of the field and covers a wide range of research findings from genetics to psychosocial developmental explanations. It begins with an exploration of the historical conception of the phenomenon of psychopathy and goes on to discuss its social and cultural accounts. It also delves into biologically based explanations including genetic and evolutionary approaches along with criminological and entrepreneurial types of psychopathy. Offering a balanced perspective, the book addresses the nature-nurture debate in the field and also discusses widely accepted personality traits of psychopaths. Lastly, it also provides a glossary of key terms and suggestions for further reading

This text will be an essential read for students of forensic psychology, or criminology. It is also an ideal starting point for those interested in the science of psychopathy and personality disorders.

Contents:

What is psychopathy: Definitions and history of the conception

Implications of measurement in shaping our understanding of psychopathy

Explanations: Social, psychological and cultural

Explanations: Biological

Explanations: Personality-Psychopathy interaction

Explanations: Developmental pathway and continuity

Criminal and entrepreneurial psychopaths

Psychopaths living among us

Can they change their spots?

Glossary

References