Problems of Forensic Sciences 2008 Vol. 76 (LXXVI) 382-402
CONTROVERSIES AROUND THE CONCEPT OF PSYCHOPATHY AND ITS USEFULNESS IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORTING CONCERNING ADOLESCENTS
Łukasz BARWIŃSKI2, Józef K. GIEROWSKI1,2
1Institute of Forensic Research, Krakow, Poland
2Faculty of Psychiatry, Collegium Medicum of Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
Streszczenie
In this report, we review the most recent literature pertaining to the controversies raised by use of the term “psychopathy” in relation to adolescents, hence persons who do not have a fully developed personality. We present selected classifications and definitions of psychopathy, examine Robert Hare’s approach, study the relations between the notion of psychopathy and relevant psychiatric classifications, and discuss important controversies concernig the use of this term in relation to children and adolescents. We pay special attention to manifestations of psychopathic characteristics in children and juveniles, to the relation between psychopathy and other antisocial behaviours in adolescents, and to the process of the development of psychopathic personality traits. There are many scientific arguments in favour of the usefulness of the term “psychopathy” in forensic psychological reporting in cases concerning juvenile delinquency. Problems stem mostly from the definition of psychopathy and especially from the stigmatising and evaluative character of the term itself.
Słowa kluczowe
Juvenile psychopathy; Personality; Forensic psychology.