The Psychopath's Brain: Is it Structurally Different From the Normal Brain?

Authors

  • Shiwon Chang Green Hope High
  • Kimberly Pyland Green Hope High School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v11i2.2515

Keywords:

Behavioral Science; Clinical Psychology; Neuroscience; Psychopathy; Antisocial Behavior

Abstract

Antisocial personality disorder, also called psychopathy, is caused by an individual’s brain structure. This paper analyzes the methods, limitations, and findings of the research that supports this claim. Case studies and correlational studies show a connection between gray matter volume in brain regions and psychopathic emotionlessness. Experiments show the inner workings of a psychopath’s brain as they display dishonesty and lack of empathy. Furthermore, this paper will also explain the relevance of this research to the field of psychology, and the practical applications of the research in society as a whole outside, including in the fields of law and medicine.

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Author Biography

Kimberly Pyland, Green Hope High School

Advisor

References or Bibliography

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Houghton Mifflin Company. (2006). Psychopathy. In The American Heritage dictionary of the English language (4th ed., p.1415)

Jacewicz, N. (2016, August 3). Does a psychopath who kills get to use the insanity defense? NPR. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/08/03/486669552/does-a-psychopath-who-kills-get-to-use-the-insanity-defense

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Ortega-Escobara, J., Alcázar-Córcoles, M. Á., Puente-Rodrígueza, L., & Peñaranda-Ramosa, E. (2017). Psychopathy: Legal and neuroscientific aspects. Anuario de Psicologia Juridica, 27(1), 57–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apj.2017.01.003

Pera-Guardiola, V., Contreras-Rodríguez, O., Batalla, I., Kosson, D., Menchón, J. M., Pifarré, J., Bosque, J., Cardoner, N., & Soriano-Mas, C. (2016). Brain Structural Correlates of Emotion Recognition in Psychopaths. PLoS ONE, 11(5), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0149807

Published

05-31-2022

How to Cite

Chang, S., & Pyland, K. (2022). The Psychopath’s Brain: Is it Structurally Different From the Normal Brain?. Journal of Student Research, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v11i2.2515

Issue

Section

HS Research Articles