Psychopathy 101
What is one key difference between a psychopath and a sociopath?
Psychopaths are more calculated and emotionally cold; sociopaths are more impulsive and emotional.
What kind of childhood experiences are linked to sociopathy?
Trauma, neglect, and abuse.
True or False: Most serial killers are charming and genius-level smart.
False. Many are of average intelligence and not particularly charming in real life.
Which real-life killer is known for escaping prison and using charm to lure victims?
Ted Bundy.
What does "nature" refer to in this debate?
Genetic and biological influences.
What part of the brain is underactive in many psychopaths?
The amygdala (controls fear and empathy).
What is attachment theory?
A theory that explains how early relationships with caregivers shape future relationships.
What is one major way that psychopathy is glamorized in pop culture?
Characters are portrayed as attractive, stylish, or sympathetic (e.g., Joe Goldberg in You).
What Netflix series features a romanticized sociopath who stalks and kills people he "loves"?
You.
What does "nurture" refer to?
Environmental influences like parenting, trauma, and social experiences.
What does ASPD stand for?
Antisocial Personality Disorder.
What are the three parts of Freud’s structural model of the mind?
Id, Ego, Superego.
Name a common myth about mental illness in the media.
That people with mental illness are violent or dangerous.
Which fictional character is known for killing other serial killers?
Dexter
Give one piece of evidence that supports the "nature" side.
Brain scans showing differences in psychopaths (e.g., smaller amygdala).
True or False: All psychopaths are serial killers.
False. Most people with psychopathic traits are not killers.
What term describes how the brain can change over time based on experience?
Neuroplasticity or brain plasticity.
Why is it harmful to portray mental illness inaccurately in entertainment?
It creates stigma and spreads false beliefs about people who live with these conditions. Real psychopaths often live unnoticed and don’t always commit crimes.
Who was the real-life killer known as "The Milwaukee Cannibal"?
Jeffrey Dahmer
Give one piece of evidence that supports the "nurture" side.
Early abuse or neglect is common in sociopaths.
How do psychopaths often behave in stressful situations?
They remain calm and show little emotional reaction.
What stage of Erikson’s theory focuses on developing trust in infancy?
Trust vs. Mistrust.
What kind of bias is present when media focuses more on violent crimes and rare killers?
Availability bias or moral panic (we think rare events are more common because we see them in media).
Which real-life female killer had a history of childhood trauma and became homeless as a teen?
Aileen Wuornos
What’s the best answer to the question: Are people born evil?
It’s a complex mix of nature and nurture.