Italian scientists have discovered that short people who are unhappy with their height have a greater chance of being psychopaths. The study found that these individuals are more likely to exhibit trademark dark traits, such as a tendency to show off, be confrontational, and have an interest in power. Notable historical figures believed to have been psychopaths include Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and serial killer Ted Bundy.
What is Psychopathy?
Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of guilt and empathy. Psychopaths can be highly manipulative and charming but are not necessarily violent. They are also more likely to be unfaithful. US psychiatrist Hervey Cleckley first listed 16 traits of psychopaths in his 1941 book The Mask of Sanity.
Prevalence and Career Choices
It is estimated that one in 100 people have psychopathic tendencies. However, an Australian study found that this rate rises to one in five among company CEOs, about the same rate as among prisoners. Researchers from Denmark also found that psychopaths are more likely to study for degrees in economics and business studies, and lawyers also appear high on the list.
Lifestyle and Preferences
Experts at the University of Derby note that those who prefer city life are more likely to show psychopathic traits than those connected to nature. A 2022 study found that humor styles such as sarcasm and cynicism show the strongest link with psychopathy. Additionally, a study from Innsbruck University in Austria suggested that people who enjoy bitter tastes, like gin and tonics or black coffee, are more likely to show signs of psychopathy.
Music and Behavior
A New York University study claimed that subjects with psychopathic tendencies have a greater chance of liking Eminem's song Lose Yourself. Another warning sign is a lack of contagious yawning; a study from Baylor University in Texas found that this habit is less common among psychopaths.
Driving and Pandemic Behavior
According to a 2021 survey by Scrap Car Comparison, BMW drivers have a greater chance of displaying psychopathic traits than other motorists. A US study also claimed that people with psychopathic traits were more likely to ignore lockdown restrictions during the pandemic.
Geographic and Gender Differences
In tests on audience traits by true crime expert Cheish Merryweather, the city of Hull came out top for psychopathy. Studies suggest that men are more likely to be psychopaths than women. Furthermore, a study from Ohio State University insisted that men who post endless selfies online have greater links to psychopathic characteristics.
Notorious Examples
Notorious criminals identified as showing psychopathy include US serial killer Dennis Rader, who murdered 10 people, and twisted Brit Joanna Dennehy, who killed three men in 2013. Famous fictional psychopaths include Hannibal Lecter from the 1991 movie The Silence of the Lambs. Top neuroscientist James Fallon states that he believes Ukraine-invading Russian president Vladimir Putin qualifies as one of the world's worst examples of harboring the illness.
