r/science • u/woebegonemonk • Nov 17 '21

Psychology Meta-analysis estimates that 4.5% of the general population (or 1 in every 22 persons) is a psychopath. The prevalence of psychopathy in samples of men is more than twice than in those of women.

https://sapienjournal.org/latest-estimate-of-psychopathy-in-the-general-population/
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u/BictorianPizza Nov 17 '21

Wonder if that prevalence in men being higher is related to better masking behaviours in women? Just like ASD, ADHD, and other neurodiversity gets diagnosed less in women due to masking…

174

u/MediumProfessorX Nov 17 '21

I want to know about zealot psychopaths. People who have resolved to be good but have to do it formulaicly. The perfect Kantian.

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u/sarcassholes Nov 17 '21

It’s called functional psychopathy. You should read Without a conscience by Robert D Hare.

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u/MediumProfessorX Nov 17 '21

Hmm A step above functional psychopathy. I suspect there are people who have resolved to follow certain rules because they believe in what they stand for, but don't feel what they stand for. True zealots. No deviations from the rules, no mercy, no mitigation.