Problems of Psychopathy Concept in the Modern Domestic and Foreign Psychology

Abstract

The article raises the problem of the heterogeneity of the group of persons with antisocial behavior and the need for dividing it into subgroups. This problem can be solved by adopting psychology of the subject and his identity specifically as mediating process. Psychopathy as a personal anomaly acts as a link enables a clear assessment of anti-social behavior mechanisms in a particular group of individuals. We describe the understanding of psychopathy concept also known as antisocial (dissocial, psychopathic) personality disorder by domestic and foreign authors. The article discusses the main debating points of psychopathy role in clinical practice, definition of the diagnostic criteria, terminological confusion caused by the concept of antisocial (dissocial) personality disorders, as well as the search for the reasons and psychological mechanisms of psychopathy emergence and developing. Analysis of psychopathy relations with such constructs as aggression, violence and anti-social behavior, allows examining applied problems and the prospects of using the psychopathy construct in medical and legal practice.