Psychopath Test Description

The 20 items
The Hare Psychopathy Checklist - Revised consists of 20 items which are rated 0 to 2, zero
meaning 'does not apply', one 'applies somewhat' and two 'applies fully'. The Hare
Psychopathy Checklist - Revised is completed on the basis of firstly, an interview with the
subject, and secondly, corroborating information such as criminal history, medical history,
school history etc.
The 20 items of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist - Revised are
1. GLIB and SUPERFICIAL CHARM - smooth talking, verbally agile, a psychopath is

rarely stuck for something to say. They are not in the least bit shy. In fact, they are not afraid
to say anything!
2. GRANDIOSE SELF-WORTH - they have an opinion on everything, they boast and brag
about the things they have done, their skills and abilities. They have enormous egos, plenty of
confidence and arrogance and consider themselves superior. One psychopath said that he
preferred to hear himself talk, because what he said was more interesting than what other
people had to say.
3. SEEK STIMULATION or PRONE TO BOREDOM - they like to be doing new and

different things, always looking for excitement and entertainment. They take risks in what
they do as well as what they say. For example, cult leaders, in a subtle way, may explain to
their victims how exactly they are manipulating them. They rarely engage in activities that
they find boring, or they don't finish the job.
4. PATHOLOGICAL LYING - their ability to lie is stunning, even when they know there is
a high probability of being caught. Lies can be cunning and sly or unscrupulously
manipulative.
5. CONNING AND MANIPULATIVENESS - they deceive, cheat, con, bilk, trick or

defraud others for personal gain. This is separated from no. 4 to the extent that the subject
shows 'callous ruthlessness', that is, a lack of concern or pity for the suffering and feelings of
their victims.
6. LACK OF REMORSE OR GUILT - despite their words they experience little emotion
or concern for the pain and suffering of their victims. They are unfazed, dispassionate,
coldhearted, and unempathic. There is often a disdain for the victims, and they may even say
the victims deserved it.
7. SHALLOW AFFECT - emotional poverty or very shallow feelings, coldness towards

others despite seeming very friendly.
8. CALLOUSNESS and LACK OF EMPATHY - a general lack of feelings towards other

people. They tend to be heartless, contemptuous, indifferent and tactless.
9. PARASITIC LIFESTYLE - they will intentionally manipulate and exploit others for
financial gain. This goes along with poor motivation and little self-discipline and no sense of
responsibility in terms of earning their own living.
10. POOR BEHAVIORAL CONTROLS - there may be sudden expressions of annoyance,
irritability, aggression and verbal abuse. There may be sudden outbursts of anger and temper
and they may act hastily.
11. PROMISCUOUS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR - they may have many brief encounters, many
affairs while married, and may be indiscriminate in selecting partners (heterosexual and
homosexual relationships) and even maintain several relationships at the same time. There is
often a history of attempting to coerce many people into sexual relationships and they may
take great pride in discussing their sexual conquests.
12. EARLY BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS - there is often a history of antisocial behavior

before age 13, including lying, stealing, cheating, vandalism, bullying, truancy, sexual
activity, fire-setting, substance abuse, and running away from home. Cruelty to animals or
siblings is particularly ominous.
13. LACK OF REALISTIC, LONG-TERM GOALS - while they talk about big plans,
they show an inability or persistent failure to execute long-term goals; then may drift from
one place to another lacking any real direction in life.
14. IMPULSIVITY - many of their behaviors are not premeditated and seem to be
unplanned. They seem unable to resist temptation and urges or to delay gratification. They
may not consider the consequences and so they appear reckless, foolhardy and unpredictable.
15. IRRESPONSIBILITY - they will repeatedly fail to honor commitments or obligations,

in school, work, family or social situations. The fail to turn up, don't pay bills, fail to honor
contracts etc.
16. FAILURE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN ACTIONS - it seems like

it's never their fault or their responsibility. They have little or no sense of duty or
conscientiousness and often deny their responsibility. And in denying, they will even try and
manipulate others!
17. MANY SHORT-TERM MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS - inability to maintain a long-

term relationship because they are inconsistent and unreliable.
18. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY - behavioral difficulties between the ages of 13-18.

Typically behaviors that are crimes or are clearly manipulative, aggressive and callous.
19. REVOCATION OF CONDITION RELEASE - they may have had their probation
revoked for technical reasons such as failing to appear, carelessness and so on.
20. CRIMINAL VERSATILITY - unlike other criminals who may specialize in one area
they are often involved in diverse activities, taking great pride at getting away with crimes.
Results
On the Hare Psychopathy Checklist - Revised subjects score between 0 and 40, zero being no
psychopathy symptoms and 40 being a full-blown psychopath.
Normal individuals typically score less than five and many non-psychopathic criminals (who
do actually have symptoms of antisocial personality disorder) may score 20 to 22.
A score over 30 on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist - Revised is used to diagnose the
presence of psychopathy.

Psychopath Test Description

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What are the 20 items that make up the Hare Psychopathy Checklist - Revised?

What behaviors are associated with early behavior problems according to the checklist?

The 20 items

The 20 items of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist - Revised are

1. GLIB and SUPERFICIAL CHARM - smooth talking, verbally agile, a psychopath is

3. SEEK STIMULATION or PRONE TO BOREDOM - they like to be doing new and

5. CONNING AND MANIPULATIVENESS - they deceive, cheat, con, bilk, trick or

7. SHALLOW AFFECT - emotional poverty or very shallow feelings, coldness towards

8. CALLOUSNESS and LACK OF EMPATHY - a general lack of feelings towards other

12. EARLY BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS - there is often a history of antisocial behavior

15. IRRESPONSIBILITY - they will repeatedly fail to honor commitments or obligations,

16. FAILURE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN ACTIONS - it seems like

17. MANY SHORT-TERM MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS - inability to maintain a long-

18. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY - behavioral difficulties between the ages of 13-18.

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