Psychopathy is a neglected public health problem

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Criminology

Background:

• Psychopathy is extensively studied in criminal justice but its public health implications are overlooked.
• Psychopathic traits are linked to significant societal costs beyond financial, including harm to relationships through abuse, manipulation, deception, and violence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review empirical evidence connecting psychopathic traits to public health problems.
• To advocate for recognizing psychopathy as a distinct public health concern.
• To highlight how a public health lens can advance research and prevention.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of empirical evidence.
• Analysis of links between psychopathic traits and substance misuse, sexual risk behavior, and violence.
• Consideration of public policy implications.

Main Results:

• Strong empirical evidence links psychopathic traits to substance misuse.
• Psychopathic traits are robustly associated with increased sexual risk behaviors.
• A significant correlation exists between psychopathic traits and various forms of violence.

Conclusions:

• The substantial evidence linking psychopathic traits to key public health issues necessitates their recognition as a public health concern.
• Ignoring psychopathy from a public health perspective hinders research and the development of targeted prevention strategies.
• Adopting a public health framework for psychopathy is essential for informing public policy and mitigating societal harm.