ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of interpersonal dynamics commonly observed in psychopathy. The conspicuous nature of these dynamics allowed one of to develop the Interpersonal Measure of Psychopathy. Cognitive theories also have implications for the interpersonal behavior associated with psychopathy. There are a variety of roles in which clinicians may have reason to interact with psychopaths: therapist, interviewer, examiner, and researcher. A cursory review of several primitive defenses identified within the dynamic tradition provides a context for understanding interpersonal interactions commonly observed in working with the psychopath. Projective Identification Projective identification is a specific form of projection common to interactions with psychopaths. Psychopaths may also experience powerful attractions and, just as they are prone to express intense hostility directly, they may also be prone to express intense affiliative impulses directly. In general, clinician perceptions of stable, positive alliances with psychopathic clients should signal the possibility of wishful projections on the part of the clinician, rather than an attribute of the real relationship.
