Cognitive Restructuring

In researching the controversy over whether a psychopath would fall under the category of a psychological or biological theory, it can be viewed from more than one perspective. I think psychopaths are more likely to exhibit violent criminal behavior, because of their inability to be empathetic to others and their lack of remorse. A psychopath is said to be a person suffering from chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior; that is also an unstable and aggressive person. In studying and researching various bodies of knowledge of an anti-social personality, many of the traits and characteristics are developed and grow over time, from youth. I think it is more psychological because of experiences.

The factors that could increase the likelihood that a psychopathic individual will engage in criminal behavior, would be the Contagion of Aberration. This means, a person who has experienced psychological trauma, will inflict the same pain and suffering upon another individual.  Sometimes a person that has experienced trauma in youth, can unconsciously develop coping mechanisms by inflicting pain upon others for gratification and do so unknowingly. In understanding PTSD, the mind records various events in the mind and are attached to the senses. Stimulus in the environment, in my opinion, stimulates an individual with the psychopathic tendencies. Many times, they are reacting on an unconscious level. I think this is the reason they are incapable of exhibiting any remorse.

The factors that could reduce the possibility of engaging in criminal behavior are, if a person removes themselves from negative stimuli, becomes educated in the things of life, science and the mind, and they can change their mindset and behavior as well. Cognitive restructuring and a positive support system can change a person’s mindset. Culture, upbringing, education, knowledge and experiences shapes a person’s mindset and can always be improved, if it is a desire.

I believe a person, who is deemed a psychopath, would fall under the psychological theory. The things a person is exposed to in youth shape a person’s mind. Just as a person can be taught negative patterns of thought and behavior, I believe they can be taught positive tendencies. If it is a desire for the person to be better. They must first want to help themselves. A realization or awakening of need must first occur. I have observed many people in various places in five years. Ministering to a more apathetic population can be very exhausting. As an empath and minister, I am very in tune with the emotions of another person, however, many were not capable of receiving instruction, because of a lack of desire to learn or improve themselves.

I do not think this make a difference in the incarceration of this person, because many times those that have these psychopathic traits, will not try to help themselves, until they are in a situation that makes them want to change or get better.

(2019).“The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is a diagnostic tool used to rate a person's psychopathic or antisocial tendencies”.

The twenty traits of a Psychopath assessed by the PCL-R score are:

• glib and superficial charm
• grandiose (exaggeratedly high) estimation of self
• need for stimulation
• pathological lying
• cunning and manipulativeness
• lack of remorse or guilt
• shallow affect (superficial emotional responsiveness)
• callousness and lack of empathy
• parasitic lifestyle
• poor behavioral controls
• sexual promiscuity
• early behavior problems
• lack of realistic long-term goals
• impulsivity
• irresponsibility
• failure to accept responsibility for own actions
• many short-term marital relationships
• juvenile delinquency
• revocation of conditional release
• criminal versatility

References

Kelly, T.M. (2015). Clinical Parapsychology: Extrasensory Exceptional Experiences (1st Ed.). University of Alternative Studies, Retrieved from: https://www.academia.edu/12798615/Clinical_Parapsychology_Extrasensory_Exceptional_Experiences_1st_Edition_Graduate-Level_Textbook_

The Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. (2019). Hare Psychopathy Checklist. Mental Disorders.

Retrieved from: http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-Inv/Hare-Psychopathy-Checklist.html

Hubbard, L. (1950). The Modern Science of Mental Health. The Contagion of Aberration. Retrieved from: https://vinaire.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/1950-dianetics-the-modern-science-of-mental-health.pdf Dianetics, p. 91.

"Crime Causation: Psychological Theories." Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice.  Retrieved August 29, 2019 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/legal-and-political-magazines/crime-causation-psychological-theories