Researchers claim that 1 in 100 people is a psychopath.
But how do you recognize them? Most of them are well integrated into society and hide their inclinations well.
However, there are a number of certain traits that can betray them and keep you from getting involved with them. Especially if you notice similar traits in your potential partner.
This article was written by Calli Tzani Pepelasi, a professor at the Department of Applied Psychology, University of Huddersfield, England, and was published on The Conversation.
Some psychopathic personalities become fearful maniacs, such as the American serial killer, rapist and necrophiliac Ted Bundy. But most do not commit crimes and live quite normal lives.
Ted Bundy killed at least 30 girls and women in the 1970s.
So, what traits of personality behavior should be addressed in the first place? Experts still continue to argue on this topic, but the main thing has already been determined: Psychopathy assumes constant antisocial behavior, lack of empathy and remorse, courage, emotional stability, meanness, impulsivity and extreme selfishness.
Psychopaths also have certain positive traits, for example, they are often very well-read and easily enter into conversations with strangers. They are also precise and creative individuals, which means they can be successful professionals in their work.
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The first sign that can become obvious when meeting a psychopath is a pathological lie. Psychopaths repeatedly attempt to mislead their partners and will lie whenever possible to hide their behavior and achieve their goals - whatever they may be.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to catch a psychopath in a lie, as they often think through their stories to the smallest detail. They also often have a superficial charm that may have attracted their partner to them, and use it to reassure them that they are not lying.
Self-esteem in psychopaths tends to be very high. Even if you are a successful and confident professional, you will likely feel worthless if he starts comparing himself to you.
And if you do not acknowledge his superiority, the psychopath may begin to put pressure on your psyche in order to suppress your self-esteem and to have more control over you.
Research shows that psychopaths often use a technique called gas lighting to achieve this. They gradually erode the self-confidence of their "victim", confuse and mislead, and then convince them of a different point of view - which leads the "victim" to an extremely low opinion of himself.
Psychopaths are great manipulators. They are great at studying human behavior and use it to manipulate them.
If you are in a relationship with a psychopath and staunchly resist their manipulation, they will attack with childish tantrums full of anger and frustration. And as a last resort, they use "puppy" eyes to make you feel guilty about him and fulfill their wishes.
A recent study that conducted brain scans of psychopaths in prison found that higher levels of psychopathy were in those people who easily deceived others and did not feel guilty about it.
They showed a decrease in the activity of the anterior cingulate cortex, which also plays an important role in determining morality, controlling impulses and emotions.
Other studies have found that psychopaths have structural and functional differences in a number of areas of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, which plays a critical role in personality development and planning.
However, some studies have shown that psychopaths may actually have the ability to feel empathy (empathize) intellectually and emotionally - but they can easily ignore it as if they have an emotion switch.
Likewise, psychopaths are often aware of the wrongfulness of their actions, but due to lack of self-control, they cannot act otherwise.
Lack of self-control can also manifest itself even in early relationships with a partner. For example, a psychopath may be rude to colleagues or friends of his partner, or embarrass them in public in different ways.
Psychopaths also tend to display traits of sociopathy and narcissism, both of which are correlated with infidelity.
While many of these signs are repulsive, men and women seem to struggle to overcome them by living with a psychopathic partner.
Women are more likely to resent their partner's behavior and may gradually end their relationship with him, while men are more likely to experience increased fear of rejection due to their partner's impulsive behavior.
Bottom line: Personality and behavior traits to look out for.
Pathological Lie: Psychopaths repeatedly try to deceive their partners.
Attacks on Your Self-Esteem: The psychopath may suppress your self-esteem in order to have more control over you.
Tantrums and "puppy" eyes: Psychopaths often use childish tantrums and "mournful puppy eyes" as attempts to make you feel sorry for them and fulfill their wishes.
Public Attacks: A psychopath may be rude to his partner's friends or coworkers, or embarrass them at parties and other public places.
The most dangerous psychopaths are those who combine the so-called "dark triad".
The dark triad is three personality traits: narcissism, psychopathy and unscrupulousness (Machiavellianism). When all three of these traits are found in one person, it defines a very evil personality.
All three traits are conceptually different, but they have been shown to have a connection with each other. Narcissism is characterized by pomp, pride, heightened conceit, and a lack of empathy.
Machiavellianism is characterized by the manipulation and exploitation of others. In addition, it is associated with a cynical disregard for morality and a focus on self-interest and deception.
Psychopathy is characterized by ongoing antisocial behavior, impulsiveness, selfishness, callousness, and ruthlessness.