Introduction to Forensic
Psychology
Seminar 2
Dr. Marc T. Zucker, Psy.D.
Welcome
• Just a reminder, your midterm essays and
midterm project are both due at the end of
unit 5!
• By now you should have looked over the
requirements for both of these assignments
and begun to think about them.
Unit 2 Graded Assignments
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Readings: Chapter 3 of textbook
Discussion Forum
Seminar
Project: 2-3 pages, APA formatted, related to
theories of crime…due by the end of the day
on Tuesday, April 5.
Seminar 2
• Are there any questions regarding current unit
(2) or the Chapter for this unit (Chapter 3)?
Seminar Topic
• Psychopathy and Criminal Behavior
• Serial killers such as Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer,
and others have perplexed society for years with
their seemingly inexplicable behavior. Chapter 3
uses psychopathy as a possible explanation for
criminal behavior. Using this theory, as well as the
others mentioned in the text, we will discuss why
these men, and others, commit the heinous
crimes they do.
Psychopathy
Psychopathy is NOT a diagnosis in the DSM-IV
(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual- Fourth
edition)- The reference manual for acceptable
diagnosis within the psychological and medical
community.
Psychopathy closely resembles Antisocial
Personality Disorder an Axis II diagnosis in the
DSM-IV.
DSM-IV Diagnosis of APD
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A. There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as
indicated by three (or more) of the following:
failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that
are grounds for arrest
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deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
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impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
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irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
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reckless disregard for safety of self or others
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consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial
obligations
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lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from
another.
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B. The individual is at least age 18 years.
C. There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years.
D. The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or a manic episode.
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC:
How to assess
• Clinical Interview
• Historical information
• Prior diagnosis
• Collateral information
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Family
Friends
School teachers/others
School/legal records
• Objective psychological testing
• Hare Psychopathy Checklist
• MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory)
Possible explanations for serial murder
• Executive Functioning……
Frontal Lobe impairments
Tumor
Stroke
Dead Cells
Neuropathological deficits and
activity (EEG, MRI)
Poor childhood
Possible explanations for serial murder
(cont.)
• Stimulation-Seeking theory…..(pg 79)
• Eysenck and lack of development of adequate levels of
conscience.
• Dysfunctional family
» Improper fostering or nurturing of relationships
» Inadequate reward and punishment system
» Lack of stability
Problems with the Psychopathy theory
• It provides good explanations for only a small
percentage of offenders.
• Majority of offenders are NOT psychopathic
• According the your course text only ¼ of the
offender population investigated could be
classified as psychopathic and even a smaller
percentage were of the female gender.
Additional Resources:
• Here is a link to a website which has some good information
regarding the difference between Antisocial Personality Disorder,
Sociopathy, and Psychopathy. You might want to check it out to get
a clearer understanding.
http://www.apsu.edu/oconnort/crim/crimtheory08.htm
• Another resource is the following article which provides
information about treatment for ASPD
http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/psychnews;39/1/25
 Just an FYI, you cannot click on the link directly from the slide,
however if you type in the web address in the url bar you will be
directed to go to the page.
Seminar 2
• Are there any final questions regarding
current unit (2) or the Chapter for this unit
(Chapter 3)?