Vol. 1 No. 2 (2019): July - December 2019
Research hypotheses

Zero degrees of empathy: Empathic and neural related skills in psychopathy

pdf (Italiano)
  • Nicole Nascivera,
  • Tilde Annunziato,
  • Martina Messina,
  • Anna Di Leva,
  • Marco Letterese,
  • Yari Mirko Alfano
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32069/pj.2019.2.49

Published 2019-11-16

How to Cite

Nascivera, N., Annunziato, T., Messina, M., Di Leva, A., Letterese, M., & Alfano, Y. M. (2019). Zero degrees of empathy: Empathic and neural related skills in psychopathy. Phenomena Journal - International Journal of Psychopathology, Neuroscience and Psychotherapy, 1(2), 76–82. https://doi.org/10.32069/pj.2019.2.49
Copyright Notice

Abstract

Introduction: Empathy is a multidimensional construct that incorporates two different dimensions: affective/emotional and cognitive. Recent studies have shown that empathic abilities are threatened in some specific cases. In particular, psychopathy is characterized by a complete lack of emotional/affective empathy. As a matter of fact, psychopathic individuals seem to have skills related to cognitive empathy. The main brain regions involved in empathic processes include anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula.

Method: A careful analysis of the literature and of previous studies was necessary in order to provide an overall framework compared to knowledge and data so far collected about lack of empathy in psychopathic individuals.

Objectives: The aim of this review is to make an observation regarding the possibility to create a treatment plan aimed at strengthening the empathic abilities in psychopathic subjects. In addition, there is the possibility to use meditative techniques for increasing self-knowledge.

Conclusions: In conclusion, there is a need to carry out further studies in order to deepen the data concerning the lack of empathy in psychopathy and the possibility of a treatment.

pdf (Italiano)

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