Psychopath is a term used by mental health professionals to define a psychic configuration that indicates a charming, manipulative, emotionally ruthless and potentially criminal personality. Since it recurs frequently in the media, psychopaths are believed to be everywhere. In truth, they make up only about 4% of the adult population (1 in 25). However, they are adept at blending in with people. Many seem like normal and interesting people. To learn how to identify a psychopath, try to evaluate some character traits, observe emotional bonds and pay attention to how they relate.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Studying the Most Important Character Traits
Step 1. Notice if she has a light-hearted, superficial charm
As an actor plays many roles, so the psychopath wears what psychologists call a "mask" of normality that makes him likeable and pleasing to the eyes of others. It stands out for its expansiveness and, in general, everyone likes it. Influence people to conquer them, so you can manipulate them more easily.
It shows strong self-confidence, which naturally attracts people. He almost always has a stable job accompanied by some professional success. He may also be in a relationship or married with children. He plays the role of "model citizen" quite well
Step 2. Notice if he has a great perception of himself
Psychopaths often believe they are more intelligent or powerful than they actually are. They tend to get into the graces of influential and successful people in an attempt to improve their social conditions. They believe they deserve special treatment more than anyone else.
Their disproportionate self-centeredness often ruins the semblance of normality they have built around them. They can go so far as to step on you if you have no advantage to offer them
Step 3. Notice if he is impulsive and irresponsible
Both of these characteristics are strong indications of psychopathy. Psychopaths tend to see nothing wrong with the way they experience their reality. They are infamous for not taking responsibility for their decisions or not considering the consequences that could result from their choices. In practice, they refuse to see the consequences of their negative conduct, rejecting any form of involvement: they are "constantly irresponsible". "I don't want to go to work" or "I think I can escape this meeting and have a drink" are common impulsive thoughts that a psychopath might have. They are not reliable and conscientious individuals.
They are selfish and act according to whims that vary according to their mood. They do what they want, whenever they want. As a result, they can cheat, lie and steal for no reason. They can have a promiscuous sex life, racking up numerous relationships or infidelities. They may even stop working out of the blue (because it's unworthy for them, of course)
Step 4. Be careful if he tends to break the rules
If he is inclined to follow rules and precepts to the letter, he is unlikely to be a psychopath. The latter detests any principle of authority and considers himself above any rule. Perhaps this is why around 25% of the male prison population defines themselves as psychopaths.
In addition, some are able to avoid jail, while continuing to violate the laws and set no limits on the matter
Step 5. See if he committed any crime as a young man
Psychologists have discovered some common childhood attitudes of subjects that fall within the clinical picture of psychopathy. Psychopaths often exhibit delinquent behavior during adolescence, including violence towards others. They also don't react like their peers to danger and punishment.
Notice if the person you think is a psychopath went through a troubled adolescence. This aspect could justify his psychopathic tendencies in adulthood
Part 2 of 3: Observing Emotional Reactions
Step 1. Consider his moral code and his personal ethics
If he appears to have a conscience, he is probably not a psychopath. Typically, a psychopath has no moral principles. It does whatever it takes to move forward and gain ground, without worrying about the people it might hurt along the way.
For example, he is unlikely to live by setting "rules" like others. He certainly sees no problem in flirting with a friend's girlfriend or stealing a job promotion from a colleague he has made a strong friendship with
Step 2. Consider his affective and emotional reactions
Psychopaths exhibit shallow emotional reactions and do not behave like others in the face of death, an accident, or other situations that normally generate stronger emotional involvement.
The difference between the emotional response of a psychopath and that of an autistic person is that the latter, although at first seem indifferent, may later have a nervous breakdown or literally throw themselves headlong into the search for a way to offer everything. his help. A psychopath, on the other hand, does not hide any deep emotion
Step 3. See if she has any feelings of guilt
Psychopaths do not harbor any kind of remorse or guilt. Insensitivity is one of the main characteristics used to describe them. They may feign repentance after wrongful behavior in order to manipulate a person into not getting angry.
- For example, they pretend to be gripped by remorse so that their victims end up comforting them instead of getting angry.
- Paradoxically, psychopathy does not imply a total lack of empathy. Affected individuals cannot spontaneously put themselves in others' shoes, but they can do so on purpose (for example, to impress someone).
Step 4. Consider whether he is unable to assume his responsibilities
A psychopath will never be able to admit that they have made a mistake, made a mistake or blundered. He could only do this if he is under pressure, but even then he would try to manipulate others to avoid suffering any kind of consequence.
Step 5. Notice if he always presents himself as a "poor boy" to be pitied
Psychopaths are experts in manipulating the emotions and insecurities of others by showing themselves as "victims who have suffered injustice". This attitude causes the people they deal with to let their guard down, making them more vulnerable to future attacks. If this psychological tactic is continually accompanied by cruel and unacceptable behavior, it could be a clear warning sign about the true nature of this person.
Part 3 of 3: Observe His Way of Interacting
Step 1. Notice if he's up to something
Psychopaths love to create confusion and drama. Since they tend to get bored easily, they need to surround themselves with stimulating situations. They can provoke fights and put on the clothes of the victims. They ruin the lives of others and just sit and watch innocently.
If you are dealing with a psychopath in your life, there is a risk that your interactions will jeopardize your mental health. Suppose, while you are at work, this person notifies you that a colleague has insulted you from behind. It is a manipulation that subtly forces you to confront him. After a heated argument, you realize that the other person was also provoked as much as you were
Step 2. Notice if it's a manipulator
Everyone pursues the goal of getting what they want. However, psychopaths are considered to be very astute individuals. They are able to get people to do what they normally wouldn't do. In order for victims to bow to their will, they can use a mask, guilt, coercion and other underhanded methods.
For example, if you are a high-level executive, a psychopath could become your "friend" and spot your weaknesses. One day you arrive at work and learn the news of a scandal affecting the company. Apparently, confidential information you confided to him some time ago leaked to the press. Are you fired and guess who is vying for your position?
Step 3. Evaluate your relationships
Some psychopaths have several short-lived marriages behind them. They blame their exes for marital problems and never admit their share of responsibility for the failure of their romantic relationships.
They start any romance by idealizing the partner. As time goes by, they belittle it and, in the end, leave it for another more interesting one. They never bond with the people they meet in their love life. Hence, it is almost entirely natural for them to flee from a marriage or relationship
Step 4. Determine if they have an almost pathological need to lie
A psychopath tells all sorts of lies and little lies to make the victim fall into his own traps or amazing stories in order to deceive him. He prefers to lie even in cases where telling the truth does not involve any trauma. Oddly, he doesn't feel any kind of embarrassment, but he is proud of his insincere behavior. If you let him know you've found out, just switch the tables to look like an honest person.
Also, keep a controlled attitude when telling a lie. Stay calm and relaxed so you can get away with it in any situation
Step 5. Find out if he is clumsy and insincere when he apologizes
If a psychopath is cornered and is expected to show some remorse, he is capable of putting on a play to meet what the situation demands of him. However, due to his lack of affection, he is unable to provide a convincing apology.
- You may notice inconsistencies between his story and his ways, for example he would say "Seriously, I never wanted to hurt you" with a slight smile on his face and a hypocritical tone.
- If you give him the impression that you don't accept his version of events, he may get angry and even say "You're so sensitive" or "I thought we put a stone on this story!".
