Some people feel no shame even when criticized for blatant lies. Some commit heinous acts without hesitation, and tell ridiculous lies, yet instead of feeling remorse, they seem proud. Surprisingly, despite their disruptive behavior, a significant number of people still view them favorably. Many are captivated by their charm or charisma, failing to recognize the fact that these individuals may be psychopaths. According to research, approximately 1% of the general population are psychopaths. This means they could be found anywhere in our daily lives. However, it is not easy to identify who they are. Meanwhile, various forms of media- including news, drama, and movies- often portray criminals as psychopaths. As a result, the public tends to equate being a psychopath with being a criminal. Does having antisocial personality disorder necessarily lead someone to commit crimes?

                           

 Psychopaths are not simply strange or eccentric individuals. In psychiatric
terms, psychopathy is classified as an extreme form of antisocial personality
disorder, characterized by a deficiency of moral empathy and persistent antisocial
behaviors. American psychiatrist Hervey Cleckley defined a psychopath as
someone who appears outwardly normal and possesses average intelligence,
yet is extremely selfish and treats others merely as tools to achieve their goals.
They habitually lie, show little to no remorse or guilt, and are often incapable of
experiencing emotional feelings such as love and altruism. Neuroscientific studies
reveal that the brain structure and function of psychopaths differ significantly
from those of the general population. Specifically, research has shown reduced
activity in the amygdala, a key region in the limbic system handling basic
emotions like fear and pleasure. Because of this underactivity, psychopaths may be unable to properly feel emotions such as guilt, fear, or anxiety. Structure differences have also been observed in the corpus callosum, the bundle of nerves that connects the two hemispheres of the brain. Such abnormalities are associated with impaired emotional regulation, toxic interpersonal behavior, and diminished affect of stress. What’s more, it is highly correlated with the frontal cortex, especially the functional decline of the orbitofrontal cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. Overproduction of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing pleasure, also plays a role in psychopathic behavior. According to animal experiments conducted by neuroscientists James Olds and Peter Milner, highly concentration secretion of dopamine leads to intense reward-seeking behavior. This could explain the hyperactivation of the brain’s reward system in psychopaths, driving them to obsessively pursue thrilling or risky experiences. From a neuropsychological perspective, psychopaths are more likely to become involved in criminal activity than the general population, due to these cognitive and emotional impairments.

                                                                                                     

 Does the high possibility of psychopathic crime mean that all of them become criminals? There is a famous psychological theory that can explain it. It is the “Three legs theory” by neuroscientist James Fallon. This means the chair can’t function if one of the three legs of the chair is gone. According to this, a psychopath turns into a lawbreaker when they have three requirements; a weakened operation of the frontal lobe, an MAO-A mutant gene that causes aggression, and physical abuse in childhood.     

                  

 James Fallon said the inactive frontal lobe and the mutant gene are innate factors. He claimed it is important to grow up with proper parenting in healthy surroundings. Even someone who has a mutant gene and a non-functioning frontal lobe inherited from his ancestors won’t necessarily become an offender. Parenting makes the final difference. Therefore, the opinion that all psychopaths are criminals is prejudiced.

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 In the past, our ancestors needed a warrior gene to kill people and steal food through war. In the 21st century, not a warrior spirit but a thoughtful heart and the ability to feel empathy are required of humans. The need for a warrior gene has been left behind, and remains as a vestige of evolution. Since the crime rate is rising and citizens are feeling afraid a psychopathic mind has been recognized as something that has to be eliminated. Furthermore, the demand to isolate criminals permanently from civil society is increasing. Whoever commits a crime should be punished. In addition, stigmatizing someone that has antisocial personality disorder as an evil lawbreaker must be stopped right away. It would be a moral way to help their successful social adjustment for a peaceful community.

                                                       

82nd Cub Reporter • KIM YE LIM • kyl5838@gmail.com    

                                84th Cub Reporter • LEE HYE WON• heyoneeda4529@naver.com                                                       

    

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