ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the relationship between psychopathy and criminal behavior is explored in an effort to determine whether combining the two concepts can be useful in constructing a framework for intervening with antisocial individuals. Most psychopaths commit crimes, but most incarcerated offenders do not meet the criteria for psychopathy. Low guilt, reduced arousal to punishment, and other traditional psychopathic traits are viewed to be less amenable to change. Relationship between Psychopathy and Lifestyle Theory Whereas theories of psychopathy hold personality factors preeminent in the development of criminality, lifestyle theory focuses on cognitive factors in explaining these same behaviors. The criminal lifestyle model utilizes a social learning perspective on antisocial behavior. The criminal lifestyle is characterized by four behavioral styles: irresponsibility, self-indulgence, interpersonal intrusiveness, and social rule breaking. Performing good deeds designed to justify criminal action comes under the classification of sentimentality, whereas overconfidence in one's ability to avoid the negative consequences of a criminal lifestyle is known as superoptimism.