Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Dark Triad and Person Perception

Dark Triad and Person Perception

Person perception is influenced by both external behaviors and the observer’s internal characteristics, including personality traits. Individuals with dark personality traits, comprising psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism — collectively known as the dark triad – exhibit manipulative and exploitative tendencies in social contexts. These traits affect how they perceive others and how they are perceived.The Role of Dark Personality Traits in Person PerceptionBlack et al. (2014) explored...

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of disregard for the rights and well-being of others. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder exhibit behaviors that include deceitfulness, impulsivity, irresponsibility, aggression, and a profound lack of empathy. These traits often manifest early in life and persist into adulthood, leading to significant personal, social, and legal consequences.
Behavioral Characteristics and...

Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid

Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid

Personality disorders represent enduring cognition, affect, and behavior patterns that significantly deviate from societal norms. These maladaptive traits often lead to difficulties in various domains, including interpersonal relationships, occupational settings, and overall psychological well-being. Paranoid personality disorder and schizoid personality disorder are two distinct conditions marked by odd or eccentric behavior.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...

Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...

Personality Disorders: Schizotypal and Histrionic

Personality Disorders: Schizotypal and Histrionic

Schizotypal personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder are two distinct psychological conditions classified under personality disorders, each characterized by unique behavioral patterns and social difficulties. Both disorders significantly affect interpersonal relationships and emotional well-being, leading to social isolation and frustration.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Eccentric Behavior and Social Withdrawal
Schizotypal personality disorder is marked by odd or eccentric...

Personality Disorders: Narcissistic and Avoidant

Personality Disorders: Narcissistic and Avoidant

Narcissistic and avoidant personality traits represent two contrasting patterns of behavior that significantly influence social interactions and self-perception. While individuals with narcissistic disorder seek admiration and validation, individuals with avoidant personality disorder withdraw due to fear of judgment.
Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic individuals exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive need for admiration. They are often...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

From soap opera to science: towards gaining access to the psychopaths who live amongst us.

Psychology and psychotherapy·2005

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats

Published on: March 17, 2019

Psychopathy: a confusing clinical construct.

Christine A Kirkman¹

¹School of Health and Social Sciences, University of Bolton, Deane Road, Bolton BL3 5AB, UK. cak1@bolton.ac.uk

Journal of Forensic Nursing

|April 5, 2008

Summary

Psychopathy research is fragmented, lacking consensus on its definition, causes, and treatment. Further studies are needed, but forensic nurses can maintain therapeutic roles with individuals exhibiting psychopathic traits.

More Related Videos

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Published on: August 18, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats

Published on: March 17, 2019

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Published on: August 18, 2020

Area of Science:

Forensic Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Psychiatry

Background:

Psychopathy is often confused with antisocial personality disorder due to overlapping behavioral criteria.
Despite its traditional classification as a personality disorder, its precise definition and scope remain debated.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a comprehensive literature overview of psychopathy.
To examine the definitional, diagnostic, and etiological complexities surrounding psychopathy.
To assess the relevance of psychopathy research for forensic nursing practice.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of experimental and theoretical literature on psychopathy.
Inclusion of studies relevant to forensic nursing practice.
Analysis of debates on causes, manifestations, and treatability.

Main Results:

The literature on psychopathy is fragmented, with no clear consensus on its core features or related constructs.
Significant debate exists regarding the definition, diagnosis, incidence, causes, and treatment of psychopathy.
Existing research provides limited clarity for forensic nursing practice.

Conclusions:

Further research is critically needed to establish a clear understanding of psychopathy in both institutional and community settings.
Forensic nurses should maintain a positive and therapeutic approach when working with individuals with psychopathy, despite research ambiguities.
Clarification of psychopathy constructs is essential for advancing forensic nursing interventions.