Part 2

The Big List of Psychopathy Characteristics

Today the list includes affective (emotional) characteristics of psychopathy. Again, these are things the psychopath tries to hide.

The characteristics of psychopathy are divided into three groups: Cognitive (thought), affective (emotion), and behavior (actions).

The next post will cover behavioral characteristics.

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34 Affective (emotional) Characteristics of Psychopathy

Feels scorn for others. Scorn means “the feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or despicable; contempt.” Psychopaths feel that others are not worthy of respect or approval. They reject others as contemptible and unworthy.

Deceitful — Deceives people into believing that he is charming, intelligent, likeable, impressive, and successful. Grooms people to believe in him, before he abuses or destroys them.

Confident — A psychopath has total and complete confidence in himself or herself. “Psychopaths are confident primarily about two things: their skill in manipulating, and their understanding of human nature, especially of neurotic individuals. It’s our very nature that gives psychopaths their confidence.” To read more, see ‘Untouchable: The Chilling Confidence of Psychopaths’ from George Simon, PhD.

Lacks remorse.

Lacks shame.

Sees others only as objects — To a psychopath we are no different than a chair, a tree or some shiny thing. According to one psychopath, “a table is made of wood and nails and glue, and a child is made of bones and skin and blood.” That sums it up pretty well.

Dehumanization of others — Views others as not human. Sees others as mere objects. Does not comprehend the value, rights or individuality of other people. Dehumanization prevents compassion.  Example: How slaves were/are thought of and treated.

No regard for the needs or rights of others.

Respects only himself, therefore he as no respect for anyone else.

Other people exist just to serve his purpose.

Not neurotic — Neurotic people are often worried or fearful about something. Psychopaths aren’t fearful and don’t worry about anything. “One of the ways that folks become embroiled in abusive or exploitative relationships is by falling prey to concerns about the way their character-disordered partner is feeling.” Read more from Dr. G. Simon about Neurosis vs. Character Disorder: The Role of Feelings 

Empathetic — But not in the usual way! Psychopaths experience ‘cold’ empathy, meaning they know what you’re feeling — but they don’t internalize it and feel sympathy, which is what makes for our ‘warm’ empathy.  Theirs is a cognitive empathy rather than an emotional empathy. Their cold empathy is what makes it possible for them to manipulate us. They know what we’re thinking, what we’re feeling, and what we want in our heart of hearts — but they only care about what it will get them.

Feels emotionally empty — but views it as a strength.

Feels no mercy.

Has no fear of abandonment.

Has no anxiety.

No fear of punishment

No fear of the future.

No fear of anything.

A good actor — a psychopath doesn’t have any real emotions, other than anger. They are only able to mimic emotions and facial expressions, which they do to blend in and to manipulate people. Much of the time, they pull it off pretty well. Sometimes they don’t quite get there.

Loss has no meaning.

Ruthless — Goes after what he wants with single-minded focus, with no pity or compassion.

Does not feel any love, friendship, sympathy or affection.

Cannot stand frustration.

Cannot stand boredom — Needs a lot of stimulation. Without it he becomes bored, which is the nemesis of a psychopath. “Damned if you do, bored if you don’t.”

Easily irritated or upset.

Rage — from his identity being exposed or harmed.

Rage — from losing control of someone.

Lack of sadness.

Hates animals, and believes the love others have for their pets is contemptible. This makes them want to hurt those pets. Weirdly enough, some psychopaths will cry like babies when their dog dies, even after they’ve let it run through traffic. I have no explanation for this. EDITED: I just found this: “Psychopaths gravitate toward dogs since they are obedient and easy to manipulate. Ronson says he spoke with individuals who would qualify as psychopaths who told him they aren’t sad when they hear about people dying. “But they get really upset when their dogs die because their dogs offer unconditional love.” Are psychopaths “dog people”?

Admires himself and likes himself. He is genuinely pleased and satisfied with himself.

Believes no criticism of him is valid.

Sexual relationships are impersonal (although he or she may act otherwise)

Does not trust anyone.

ALL OF THESE CHARACTERISTICS STEM FROM THE FACT THAT THE PSYCHOPATH CANNOT ATTACH.

Attachment is the deep connection established between two people. It profoundly affects the ability to express emotions and develop relationships. The psychopath cannot attach, so he cannot form real and meaningful relationships.

♥ Coming soon…The Big List of Psychopathy Characteristics, Part 3 — Behavior

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