Editions
Los 40 USA
Scores
Follow us on
Hello

Psychology

A psychologist discovers how to detect a psychopath: just say this phrase and wait for their response

Psychopaths represent 1% of the population, but in some cases their representation can be ten times higher.

Psychopaths represent 1% of the population, but in some cases their representation can be ten times higher.

Psychopathy is a personality disorder marked by significant impairments in social and emotional behavior. Individuals with psychopathy, often called psychopaths, typically exhibit a lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt, and frequently engage in manipulative and antisocial behavior.

Common symptoms of psychopathy

Some common symptoms of psychopathy include:

  • Lack of empathy and disregard for others’ feelings
  • Manipulative and seductive behavior
  • Inability to maintain lasting personal relationships
  • Low tolerance for frustration and a tendency toward aggression
  • Lack of remorse or guilt for one’s actions

How to identify a psychopath

Professor Vicente Garrido, who has studied violent crime at the University of Valencia for over 30 years, describes a psychopath as someone who fundamentally lacks the ability to connect emotionally with others. “They exploit, manipulate, and use people to achieve their goals,” he explains.

Garrido warns that psychopaths are among the most dangerous individuals. “Most of them live among us, and if they commit crimes, they are very good at hiding them,” he says. “I have never met a psychopath capable of having a deep emotional conversation. When asked certain questions, they often get stuck because they lack the necessary emotional intelligence and empathy.”

The question psychopaths can’t answer

There is a particular question that psychopaths struggle to answer: “Whoever saves a life saves the world.” According to Professor Garrido, this phrase destabilizes their empathic system because they cannot grasp its meaning.

Characteristics of psychopaths

A group of 137 experts has identified eight characteristics that may indicate psychopathy:

  1. Superficial charm
  2. Grandiose sense of self-worth
  3. Need for stimulation/proneness to boredom
  4. Pathological lying
  5. Cunning/manipulative behavior
  6. Lack of remorse or guilt
  7. Shallow affect (emotional depth)
  8. Callousness/lack of empathy

Understanding psychopaths

“It’s crucial to understand that psychopaths are not just the serial killers we see in movies,” Garrido emphasizes. “We can encounter them at work, in our personal lives, and even within our families. Their danger lies in their ability to appear charismatic and charming for extended periods.”

Experts estimate that psychopaths make up about 1% of the general population, but their prevalence can be ten times higher in certain professions, particularly in senior management roles.

Typical traits of a psychopath:

  1. Superficial charm
  2. Grandiose sense of self-worth
  3. Need for stimulation/proneness to boredom
  4. Pathological lying
  5. Cunning/manipulative behavior
  6. Lack of remorse or guilt
  7. Shallow affect (emotional depth)
  8. Callousness/lack of empathy

How to recognize a psychopath: trust your intuition

Recognizing the warning signs is essential. Trust your intuition if someone seems “off,” even if they initially appear charismatic and charming. Our bodies and minds often send us signals, even if we don’t immediately recognize them.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

Original article written by Laura Martin Sanjuan, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Joe Brennan

Rules