PSY 759 Psychopathy

Description: This course provides a state-of-the-science review of the current understanding of the psychopathic personality disorder, and detailed instruction on assessment of the psychopath using the PCL-R.  (The psychopath refers to a specific personality disorder, as opposed to `psychopathology’, which covers the full range of emotional disorders).  The first half of the class esplores major theoretical models, conceptual and definitional questions, and etiological pathways, ranging from family and environmental factors to genetic predispositions. There will be a specific focus on the subtyping theories and related disorders (i.e., primary and secondary psychopaths, antisocial personality disorder and sociopaths). The relationship between psychopathy, violence and criminal behavior will also be discussed.  Manifestations of psychopathy in specific populations are addressed (i.e. juveniles, women and “successful” psychopaths).  The second part of the class will cover the identification and assessment of psychopathy using various assessment measures, with a focus on training students to ethically and responsibly use the Hare’s Psychopahty Checklist – revised (PCL-R).