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Psychopathic Mind: Origins, Dynamics, and Treatment

NCJ Number
114383
Author(s)
J R Meloy
Date Published
1988
Length
493 pages
Annotation
This text examines the dynamics of psychopathy from a dual orientation that views this disorder as neurobiologically and neuropsychologically predisposed, but involving necessarily deficient and conflictual primary object experiences that give it phenotypic expression.
Abstract
Part 1 explores the history of the understanding of psychopathy and its psychobiological substrates. An object-relational developmental theory is offered that focuses on internalization, attachment, and grandiose self-structure to explain the origins of psychopathy. Part 2 probes the conscious and unconscious mind of the psychopath along the dimensions of affective experience and defensive operations such as denial and deception, imitation and simulation, projective identification and object control, and splitting and dissociation. The stranger self-object is seen as the psychopath's primary internalization and malignant pseudoidentification as the primary mode of internalization and identification. Part 3 develops a differential model of human aggression as either affective or predatory. It is hypothesized that the psychopathic process is particularly suited to predatory violence. Characterological traits and organization of the psychopath are delineated, and psychotic avenues of expression are discussed as primarily manic or paranoid. The relationship between psychopathy and drug intoxication and mental retardation are developed as well. The last section examines resistance and counter-transference threats to treatment. Appendixes provide two case studies and discuss the use of the Rorschach test in diagnosis. Index and approximately 600 references.

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