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Psychopathic Behavior

Reflections on Its Nature, Origins, and Treatment

  • Chapter
The Structuring of Experience

Abstract

Despite continuing uncertainties about many facets of psychopathic personality, certain behavioral features now seem agreed-upon as being central to the disorder (Cleckley, 1955; McCord & McCord, 1956; Lykken, 1957; Hare, 1970). The psychopath is characterized as highly impulsive, relatively refractory to the effects of experience in modifying his socially troublesome behavior, and lacking in the ability to delay gratification. His penchant for creating excitement for the moment without regard for later consequences seems almost unlimited. He is unable to tolerate routine and boredom. While he may engage in antisocial, even vicious behavior, his outbursts frequently appear to be motivated by little more than a need for thrills and excitement. His deficits in learning, particularly in terms of avoidance responses, are clinically obvious and have been documented by experimental study (see Hare, 1970, and Trasler, 1973, for reviews).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA

    Herbert C. Quay

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  1. Herbert C. Quay
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

    Ina Č. Užgiris

  2. York University, Downsview, Ontario, Canada

    Fredric Weizmann

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© 1977 Plenum Press, New York

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Quay, H.C. (1977). Psychopathic Behavior. In: Užgiris, I.Č., Weizmann, F. (eds) The Structuring of Experience. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-8786-6_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-8786-6_14

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4615-8788-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-8786-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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