What is the primary characteristic of a psychopathic personality?

The primary characteristic of a psychopathic personality is uninhibited behavior. Individuals with psychopathy often display a lack of impulse control, leading them to act in ways that are impulsive and sometimes antisocial. This uninhibited behavior is characterized by a disregard for social norms and the feelings of others, often resulting in manipulative and deceitful actions. They may engage in risky or harmful behaviors without considering the consequences, which can manifest in criminal activity or other forms of delinquency.

In contrast, extreme empathy and strong moral convictions are traits typically not associated with psychopathy. People with psychopathic traits often exhibit little to no empathy for others and possess a moral code that is severely warped or nonexistent. Social warmth is also generally absent, as those with psychopathic tendencies usually struggle to form genuine emotional connections with others, reflecting a key distinction from more prosocial personality traits.