Belinda B. Fultz
CRJ 308
Peggy Allen
January 27, 2013
“Of all the personality disorders, one stands far above the others in terms of its relation to antisocial and criminal behavior: antisocial personality disorder” (DeLisi, 2013). Antisocial Personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others and that begins in early childhood or early adolescents and continues into adulthood. Some think there is a strong link between antisocial personality and psychopath, they have some of the same characteristics, and both can be a part of explaining some criminal behavior. Taking a look at the disorder, the characteristics that need to be considered, when the disorder develops, and what causes the disorder. What are the links between the disorder and criminal behavior? Taking a look at early warning signs, how they diagnosis the behavior and is there treatment that can be used to manage the disorder. First let’s look at antisocial personality disorder and the diagnostic characteristics of the disorder.
They have to be at least 18 years of age and have tendencies of disregard of others since the age of 15. They have legal issues that get them in trouble repeatedly. They lie, and deceive others to get what they want. They may use different names throughout their lives to try and avoid getting caught. They act in the moment, which would say they don’t give much thought to what they are doing. This also makes them more reckless, and irresponsible. They don’t care about anyone but themselves. The strong link between antisocial personality disorder and criminal behavior, “The diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder present an individual whose very personality comprises traits that match the nature of crime—impulsive, uncaring acts of self-gratification at the expense of others” (DeLisi, 2013). What causes the disorder and how does it manifest?
“Large Twin studies have
References: DeLisi, M. (2013). Criminal psychology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Guy, L., & Poythress, N., & Douglas, K., & Skeem, J., & Edens, J., (2008) Correspondence Between Self-Report and Interview- Based Assessments of Antisocial Personality disorder. Psychological Assessment Vol. 20, No 1 pgs. 47-54. Shi, Z., & Bureau, J., & Easterbrooks, M.A., Zhao, X., & Lyons-Ruth, K., (2012) Childhood Maltreatment and Prospectively Observed Quality of Early Care as Predictors of Anti- Personality Disorder Features. Infant Mental Health Journal Vol 33 pgs 55-69.