Understanding psychopathy : the biopsychosocial perspective

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Chapter 1: Psychopathy and the biopsychosocial model; The biopsychosocial model; The development of the biopsychosocial model; Criticisms and strengths of the biopsychosocial model; A case example of the biopsychosocial model; Summary; Acknowledgments; References; Chapter 2: History and assessment of psychopathy; Psychopathic states; Primary and secondary psychopathy
Clinical assessments: adultsComprehensive assessment of psychopathic personality; Self-report measures; Misnomers in psychiatry; Antisocial Personality Disorder with Psychopathic Features; Dissocial Personality Disorder; Psychopathic personality; Clinical assessments for youth; Psychopathy as a construct: the role of antisocial behavior; Summary; Acknowledgments; References; Chapter 3: Psychopathy and violent crime; Rates of violent crime; Homicide; Assault; Robbery; Sexual offending; Intimate partner violence; Prison and inpatient violence; Violent recidivism; Subtypes of aggression; Summary
AcknowledgmentsReferences; Chapter 4: Genetics and the environment; Behavioral genetics; Molecular genetic studies; The biopsychosocial model: psychopathy, genetics and social influences; Summary; Acknowledgments; References; Chapter 5: Biological factors; Neuroimaging; Autonomic nervous system; Hormones: cortisol and testosterone; Summary; Acknowledgments; References; Chapter 6: Psychological factors; Temperament; Childhood psychopathology and psychopathic traits; Personality; Externalizing and internalizing traits; Suicidality; Impulsivity and risk-taking; Executive function; Intelligence
Emotional intelligenceEmotion recognition; Moral foundations; Moral decision-making; Summary; Acknowledgments; References; Chapter 7: Social factors; Prenatal and postnatal risk factors; Diet (omega-3s); Lead exposure; Socioeconomic status; Parenting; Attachment; Maltreatment; Antisocial parents; Peer delinquency; Exposure to violence; Summary; Acknowledgments; References; Chapter 8: The biopsychosocial model of psychopathy; Biopsychosocial model and treatment of psychopathy; Conclusion and future directions; References; Index

Understanding Psychopathy is an essential, accessible new guide on psychopathy and its development. Through the lens of the biopsychosocial model, Thomson explores a wide range of factors contributing to the development of psychopathy, from the genetic to the environmental, supported by the latest research into the disorder. Thomson examines psychopathy from all angles, analysing social, psychological and biological factors, in addition to the history and assessment of psychopathy, and links to violent crime. Theory and research are supported throughout with fascinating case studies. These case studies provide accessible and relevant examples for readers who are new to the field, and to those more familiar with psychopathy and its implications. Understanding Psychopathy is a brilliant resource for psychology students, researchers and practitioners in the criminal justice system alike, with grounding in forensic psychology, clinical psychology and criminology. The author is donating his royalties in full to Project EMPOWER, UK, a multidisciplinary initiative dedicated to enhancing prevention and intervention services to individuals and their families who experience intimate partner violence, sexual violence, domestic violence, or human trafficking.