Welcome! Stay connected:
Happy Go Lucky
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Insights
  • Books
  • Downloads
  • Psychopath Research
  • Disclaimer

Why are you so blind to the signs of a psychopath?

1/17/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Psychopaths, aka sociopaths, are all around us. They are pathological liars, con artists, and false friends. They pretend to love and care - so they ensnare victims into phoney relationships. People are merely toys and tools, in their eyes, and easily discarded. They have a neurological lack of conscience that gives them an internal sense of superiority to the rest of us.

There are three major failures in society that (secretly) enable sociopaths to engage in, and get away with, their atrocious behavior:
  1. We don’t know that sociopaths exist.
  2. We don’t understand psychological manipulation.
  3. We aren’t taught to use the one tool that can protect us.

​Approximately 39 million people in the United States may have exploitative personality disorders — antisocial, narcissistic or borderline. These are the people I refer to as “sociopaths.” Most of us don’t know they exist.

In 2011, the scientific journal Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience published an article that examined previous studies of the prevalence of personality disorders in the United States and around the world. The authors examined five American and four international studies, dating back to 1989, and the studies consistently showed that about 10% of the general population has personality disorders.

Cultural myths that blind us to danger
All our lives, we hear cultural messages in church, school and the media, like the following:

“We’re all created equal.”
“We all just want to be loved.”
“Everybody has good inside.”

Unfortunately, these statements are not true for everybody. They are only true for the majority of the population who are capable of normal love and empathy. The statements are not true for the approximately 16% who have antisocial, narcissistic, or borderline personality disorders.

No one tells us that there are exceptions to these feel-good maxims. No one tells us that human predators live among us, and that we need to protect ourselves from them.

In fact, we hear messages that put us in even more danger, like:

“Everyone deserves a second chance.”
“Give him/her the benefit of the doubt.”
“We all have issues/problems/flaws.”

The bottom line: We don’t know that we likely are around personality-disordered people who want to take advantage of us. And when we do experience or witness bad behavior, we’re told to explain it away.

Human beings are social animals, and our survival as a species was assured over the millennia because we developed the ability to trust each other. Trust is built into our DNA.

When sociopaths target us for manipulation, the first step is taking advantage of our trust. They use love bombing, deception and the pity play to reel us in. 

The big picture of our cultural messages:
  • We are surrounded by millions of predators, but no one tells us about them.
  • We are encouraged to trust everyone, including the predators.
  • We are discouraged from listening to our intuition, which protects us from predators.

​
Excerpt from, "How the messages we hear all our lives keep us vulnerable to sociopaths", by Donna Andersen, Lovefraud.com, Jan 9, 2017.
Image courtesy Spiderpic.com

​

0 Comments

Studying Victims of Psychopaths

4/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Community Recruitment Announcement

​Who we are recruiting
The “Emotion, resilience, and post-traumatic growth in domestic abuse survivors” study investigates the outcome of being in an abusive romantic relationship.

We are looking for participants (aged over 18) who identify as being in a prior heterosexual abusive romantic relationship.

Abusive experiences may include verbal/ emotional abuse (i.e., bullying, manipulation), coercion (i.e., intimidation, threats, control of finances, isolation), lying and deceit (i.e., infidelities), and sexual assault. Particularly we are looking for people who identify as being abused by a romantic a partner who displays psychopathic or narcissistic characteristics. These may include:
  • Pathological lying (i.e., use of aliases)
  • Engaging in infidelities
  • Failure to take responsibility for their actions
  • Lacks empathy, guilt, and ability to feel deep emotions
  • Manipulative and exploitative of others
  • Sense of entitlement, grandiose sense of self-worth, or feelings of superiority
  • Involvement in criminal activities
  • Impulsive and irresponsible
  • Engages in risk taking behaviours (e.g., drug use)
  • Being superficially charming


What your participation will involve
If you are interested in participating in the study please follow the link www.cuaftermath.com, which is a secure website where you will be asked to make an account with a username and password (no personal or identifying information will be asked, such as your name or address). The study will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The website is not compatible with mobile devices or Ipads, please use a computer or laptop device.
On the secure website, you will be asked to complete a few questionnaires, a card game where you will select decks to gain as many points as possible, and a task where you will be presented a series of images of male faces and asked what emotion they are expressing.
The questionnaires will include questions on your experiences of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, experiences of positive growth, and perceptions of interactions with other people (i.e., social support). There will also be questions addressing experiences in the abusive relationship (e.g., onset, type, severity, and length of abuse), and traits of the abuser, such as:
Does he or she think it is fun to push people until they get upset?
Has been convicted of a serious crime?
Does he or she think they can get what they want by telling people what they want to hear?


Please do not participate if…
  1. You identify as CURRENTLY in an abusive relationship. For your safety, we recommend that individuals currently in a relationship not participate in the current study. We worry for participants’ safety if they complete this study while in close physical proximity to their abuser.
  2. We ask if you are currently undergoing or have undergone treatment for a gambling problem that you do not participate because the card game is similar to a gambling game.


Some of the questionnaires may address stressful topics. If you wish to withdraw at any time (even skipping a few questions on the questionnaires), you may do so as the study is entirely voluntary and anonymous. There will be no penalization if you decide to withdraw, no matter at what point in the study. You do not have to complete all of the study at one time; you can stop and complete the study at your convenience. There is the possibility that participation in the study may trigger or exacerbate distress.


Incentive
Participation in the current study is strictly voluntary (there will be no incentive or cash given for participation).

This study has been approved by the Carleton University Research Ethics Board-A (CUREB-A) (103670).
0 Comments

What Do You Do If You Meet a Psychopath?

8/27/2015

0 Comments

 
Join us as we explore what to do if you meet a psychopath with Dr. Kent Kiehl. Dr. Kiehl is an author and neuroscientist who specializes in the use of clinical brain imaging techniques to understand major mental illnesses, with special focus on criminal psychopathy, psychotic disorders (i.e., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, affective disorders), traumatic brain injury, substance abuse and paraphilias.

Also, he has designed the one-of-a-kind Mind Mobile MRI System to conduct research and treatment studies with forensic populations. To date his laboratory has deployed the Mind Mobile MRI System to collect brain imaging data from over 3000 offenders at eight different facilities in two states. This represents the world’s largest forensic neuroscience repository.

Source: TherapyCable.com
0 Comments

How do Psychopaths Construct their Mask of Sanity?

8/4/2015

0 Comments

 
Mask of Sanity pic
The first very influential book about psychopathy was Hervey Cleckley’s groundbreaking The Mask of Sanity. Here Cleckley went over every major symptom of this dangerous personality disorder. What is most striking about psychopaths, as opposed to other disordered or deranged individuals, is how well they blend into the rest of society, to use, dupe and harm other human beings. Their glibness and charm, as well as their uncanny ability to lie convincingly, makes them the perfect wolves in sheep’s clothing. Cleckley observes, “More often than not, the typical psychopath will seem particularly agreeable and make a distinctly positive impression when he is first encountered. Alert and friendly in his attitude, he is easy to talk with and seems to have a good many genuine interests. There is nothing at all odd or queer about him, and in every respect he tends to embody the concept of a well-adjusted, happy person. Nor does he, on the other hand, seem to be artificially exerting himself like one who is covering up or who wants to sell you a bill of goods. He would seldom be confused with the professional backslapper or someone who is trying to ingratiate himself for a concealed purpose. Signs of affectation or excessive affability are not characteristic. He looks like the real thing.” (The Mask of Sanity, 339)

Because they appear to be easy-going, friendly and genuine, psychopaths attract many potential partners. They tend to be great conversationalists, orienting the subjects of discussion around each of their targets’ personal interests. Scott Peterson, Mark Hacking and Neil Entwistle seemed true gentlemen and fun-loving guys not only to their wives, but also to their in-laws and friends. Generally speaking, they behaved appropriately for the circumstances before committing their gruesome crimes. They knew how to open the car door for their partners, how to engage in polite conversation with their in-laws and how to joke around with their buddies.


Not only do psychopaths tend to be extraordinarily charismatic, but also they can appear to be rational, levelheaded individuals. They usually talk in a way that shows common sense and good judgment. “Very often indications of good sense and sound reasoning will emerge and one is likely to feel soon after meeting him that this normal and pleasant person is also one with high abilities,” Cleckley continues. (338)


Psychopaths generally present themselves as responsible men. They seem to be in charge of their lives, their families and their careers. As we’ve seen, for several years Mark Hacking led his wife and her family to believe that he was a college graduate on his way to medical school. Only members of his own family knew (and hid) the truth. Similarly, Neil Entwistle convinced his entire family that he was a successful computer entrepreneur. In actuality, he was a bankrupt spammer. He also led Rachel to believe that he was a faithful, loving husband while actively seeking promiscuous liaisons on adult dating websites.


Although most psychopaths fail at their endeavors, it’s usually not due to a lack of natural intelligence. Cleckley notes, “Psychometric tests also very frequently show him of superior intelligence. More than the average person, he is likely to seem free from social or emotional impediments, from the minor distortions, peculiarities, and awkwardness so common even among the successful.” (338) Psychopaths succeed in fooling others not just because of what they say, but also because of how they say it. Their demeanor tends to be self-assured, cool, smooth and collected. Even though, at core, they’re more disturbed than individuals diagnosed with severe mental illnesses–such as psychotics or schizophrenics–their personality disorder doesn’t show through.


The fact that psychopathy tends to be well concealed beneath a veneer of normalcy makes it all the more dangerous to others:  “Although the psychopath’s inner emotional deviations and deficiencies may be comparable with the inner status of the masked schizophrenic,” Cleckley goes on, “he outwardly shows nothing brittle or strange. Everything about him is likely to suggest desirable and superior human qualities, a robust mental health.” (339)


Absence of Delusions and Other Signs of Irrational Thinking


Despite being capable of actions that we’d associate with insanity—such as killing their family members in cold-blood, then going out to party afterwards—psychopaths are in fact clinically sane. But what does it actually mean to be “sane,” in light of such severely disturbed behavior? It simply means being in touch with reality and aware of the legal, social and moral rules that govern one’s society. Sanity doesn’t imply processing this information normally or behaving normally.  Cleckley elaborates,
“The psychopath is ordinarily free from signs or symptoms traditionally regarded as evidence of a psychosis. He does not hear voices. Genuine delusions cannot be demonstrated. There is no valid depression, consistent pathologic elevation of mood, or irresistible pressure of activity. Outer perceptual reality is accurately recognized; social values and generally accredited personal standards are accepted verbally. Excellent logical reasoning is maintained and, in theory, the patient can foresee the consequences of injudicious or antisocial acts, outline acceptable or admirable plans of life, and ably criticize in words his former mistakes.” (339)


The psychopath constructs his mask of sanity by imitating the rest of us.  He mimics our emotions. He pays lip service to our moral principles. He pretends to respect us and our goals in life. The only difference between him and normal human beings is that he doesn’t actually feel or believe any of this on a deeper level. His simulation of normalcy functions as a disguise that enables him to fool others and satisfy his deviant drives. However, because of the psychopath’s extraordinary charm and poise, those perverse needs aren’t likely to be obvious to others.


For as long as a psychopath can hide his true nature, his real desires as well as the seedier aspects of his behavior, he appears to be the very picture of sanity: an upstanding citizen, a loyal friend, a loving husband and father. “Not only is the psychopath rational and his thinking free of delusions,” Cleckley pursues, “but he also appears to react with normal emotions. His ambitions are discussed with what appears to be healthy enthusiasm. His convictions impress even the skeptical observer as firm and binding. He seems to respond with adequate feelings to another’s interest in him and, as he discusses his wife, his children, or his parents, he is likely to be judged a man of warm human responses, capable of full devotion and loyalty.” (339)


Absence of Nervousness or Psychoneurotic Manifestations


Psychopaths display an almost reptilian tranquility. Their paradoxical combination of calmness and thrill-seeking behavior may render them, at least initially, more intriguing than normal individuals.  A psychopath can appear to be the rock of your life, promising a solid foundation for a lasting relationship. Cleckley observes,  “It is highly typical for him not only to escape the abnormal anxiety and tension fundamentally characteristic of this whole diagnostic group but also to show a relative immunity from such anxiety and worry as might be judged normal or appropriate in disturbing situations.” (340) While their general aura of coolness and calmness can be reassuring, psychopaths tend to be too calm in the wrong circumstances. Upon closer observation, their mask of sanity includes fissures, or attitudes and elements of behavior that don’t conform to their normal external image.


For instance, they may laugh when (and even because) others cry. They may remain too serene in traumatic circumstances. Or they may appear theatrical and disingenuous in their displays of emotion, as Neil Entwistle did in court. In those moments when they behave inappropriately, psychopaths reveal their underlying abnormality.  This shows through not only before they commit some crime but also afterwards, in their lack of genuine remorse, regret or sadness.


Neurotics feel excessive anxiety. By way of contrast, psychopaths feel too little anxiety. When they experience regret or pain, it’s for getting caught or for being momentarily inconvenienced, not for having hurt others. When they get frustrated, it’s for not getting their way or out of boredom, not because they’re troubled by what they did wrong. As Cleckley puts it, “Even under concrete circumstances that would for the ordinary person cause embarrassment, confusion, acute insecurity, or visible agitation, his relative serenity is likely to be noteworthy… What tension or uneasiness of this sort he may show seems provoked entirely by external circumstances, never by feelings of guilt, remorse, or intrapersonal insecurity. Within himself he appears almost as incapable of anxiety as of profound remorse.” (340) Empathy, fear of punishment, anxiety and remorse represent the main forces that prevent normal people from engaging in dangerous and harmful behavior. Psychopaths lack such restraints.  No matter how good their disguise, dangerous and harmful behavior is all they enjoy and desire to pursue in life.
Source: How do Psychopaths Construct their Mask of Sanity? on psychopathyawareness.wordpress.com
0 Comments
<<Previous
    I Teach
    how to detect a psychopath as easily as we see who is drug impaired. . 
    ​
    Share with others: "What is a Psychopath/Sociopath?"
    Lesson

    Picture
    Can You Spot A Psychopath?Teach your kids the signs with the app




    "What is a psychopath?" Public Awareness Fund:
    What is a Psychopath Picture

    ABOUT ME:

    I was married to Harlan Taylor, who meets the psychopath criteria. Beware his illusion of nice guy. Now, I'm spreading awareness of neuroscience fMRI testing to identify psychopaths - those without a conscience. They are incapable of basic truth, and live by their own rules.

    Trying to ascertain if someone is a psychopath should not depend on a list of behaviors. 
    (Contrary to hollywood's fascination with the violent ones, the majority of psychopaths do not exhibit physical violence.)

    Too many people are silently being emotionally destroyed because they awaken to the narcissistic abuse, and then utilize the psychopath test *after* the damage is done.. To help stop further victimization, fill out the form to Name Your Abuser.


    Make money from your blog:
    Great Adsense alternative that pays out at $10.

    Archives

    October 2021
    December 2020
    September 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    January 2017
    August 2016
    April 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013

    Categories

    All
    Charm
    Diary
    Golden Child
    Lies
    Manipulation
    Narcissism
    Narcissist
    Neuroscience
    Pattern
    Prey
    Psychiatry
    Psychology
    Psychopathy
    Research
    Scapegoat
    Seduction
    Signs
    Target
    The Ex
    The Kid
    The Mask
    Victim

    RSS Feed


    CLICK Ads To Give for Awareness. Thank you!

    Blogroll

    NOPSYCHOS
    AbuseSanctuary

    After Narcissistic Abuse
    An Upturned Soul
    Light,Life,Love,Laughter
    Love Fraud
    OneMomsBattle
    Paula's Pontifications
    Psychopathy Awareness

    Psychopaths and Love

    GeneticPsycho.Wordpress.com

    Links

    PSYCHOPATHY RESEARCH:
    Identifying a psychopath by MRI

    Is Psychopathy Genetic? 
    at Aftermath: Surviving Psychopathy Foundation

    What is a Psychopath? (Sociopath?) Like Regular folks, not deranged raving maniacs

    Dealing with Manipulative People

    * 30 RED FLAGS * at PsychopathFree.com

    For Young Girls (&Boys):  Red Flags Handbook

    "Why You Attract Narcissists" video

    Audiobooks (educational)

    Safe Relationships Magazine

    Tweets by @GeneticPsycho

    NetworkedBlogs
    Blog:
    GeneticPsycho blog
    Topics:
    Neuroscience, Psychopaths, Activist
     
    Follow my blog
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.