Main Features of Psychopathy

Superficial charm and average to above-average intelligence are two of the psychopath’s main features, according to Cleckley, and they are both especially apparent in initial contacts. Many psychopaths usually impress others as friendly, outgoing, likable, and alert. They often appear well-educated and knowledgable, and display many interests. They are verbally skillful and can talk themselves out of trouble. In fact, their vocabulary is often so extensive they can talk at length about anything (Hare, 1991). However, systematic study of their conversation reveals that they often jump “from one topic to another and that much of their speech is empty of real substance, tending to be filled with stock phrases, repetitions of the same ideas, word approximations, abstract terms and jargon used in superficial or inappropriate fashion, logically inconsistent statements and phrases, and half-formed sentences”. As Hare notes, “In some respects, it is as if psychopaths lack a central organizer to plan and keep track of what they think and say”. However, since psychopaths are so charming andmanipulative, these language shortcoming are not readily apparent.

Psychometric studies indicate that psychopaths usually score higher on intelligence tests than the general population, particularly on individually administered tests. In fact, Hare comments, the psychopaths who were the sample for his studies were probably the least intelligent of their ilk, since they were not quite bright enough to avoid being convicted for their offences.