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The Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version Of The PCL-R

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Overall, it was, in my opinion, a great reading. I was impressed how I have heard the term psychopathy, but it is startling how complex this personality disorder is. Of course, as the reading mentioned, oftentimes psychopaths are portrayed as cold-blooded, serial killers, etc. Indubitably, this might happen in some cases but the complexity it implies to determine if an individual is a psychopath is far beyond the reach a non-professional psychologist or psychiatrist. Therefore, this is the most interesting and surprising aspect of the reading and psychopathy itself, how hard it to identify a psychopath. In addition, the ways it is presented to people, not only by their personality traits and behavior but their ability to appear as charming …show more content…

It helps evaluate the personality traits and behaviors of an individual based on a scaled determined by an in-depth interview. But does it means everyone can determine if someone is a psychopath? The answer is not. Of course, someone can identify some of the personality trait and behaviors listed in the PCL-R but it does not mean that individual is a psychopath. In addition, the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL-SV), a derivative and shorter version of the PCL-R can also be used for such purpose. Already stated, the most startling aspect of the reading was how difficult it was to identify a psychopath. For such reason, these tests should be used carefully. It must be a psychologist or a psychiatrist who makes the judgment and determines if the traits and characteristics apply to the person being assessed. It is impossible to think that anyone can label someone else as a psychopath. I believe it must be taken seriously when applying certain traits to someone and label that person a psychopath. The simple fact that a certain individual has some of the traits, behavior or characteristics of a psychopath does not mean that it is such a thing. Of course, the behavior of that person may be …show more content…

This misinterpretation, whether at work, family, or friends may cause several consequences, the main one affecting that person psychologically and damaging his personality. I personally have not been in a situation or known someone with such personality, or better say, I didn’t notice it because of I didn’t have the knowledge or the information I have obtained after reading this textbook about psychopathy. From now on, I am sure that I will pay more attention to the personality of the people I interact with. I think that although it is difficult if I were to be in a situation where someone I know with such personality, more than tempting to label that person as a psychopath, it would be intimidating to know or suppose with great certainty that you know a psychopath. Certainly, there are many psychopaths out there and/or people that would score higher on the PCL-R. Whether it’s in the workplace, the abusive, controlling, threatening, deceitful, and aggressive behavior of psychopaths are harmful to the family and in a professional relationship. So, this brings me to the last question whether a psychopath must be kept in prison. I believe that if some individual is arrested,

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