Characteristics of Antisocial Personalty

Interview with Psychologist Dr. Duane Dobbert on Antisocial Traits

Nov 29, 2007

Psychologist Duane Dobbert discusses characteristic traits of the cold, calculating and violent antisocial personality; diagnosis Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).

This is the second in a series of articles based on interviews with forensic psychologist, professor and author Dr. Duane Dobbert. In these interviews, we will explore various subtopics relating to Antisocial and Narcissistic Personality Disorders. This second article focuses on characteristics of the Antisocial Personality.

What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS-IV-TR), Antisocial PD(abbreviated APD or ASPD) is a psychological personality disorder characterized by lack of empathy or conscience, a difficulty controlling impulses and manipulative behaviors. This disorder is sometimes also referred to as psychopathy or sociopathy, however, Antisocial Personality Disorder is the clinical terminology used for diagnosis (APA 2000).

Can you give us some examples of characteristics that are commonly associated with the Antisocial Personality?

ASPD is deficit of concience. The individual (most commonly male) lacks the ability to feel and thus demonstrate concern for others. He experiences no empathy for the plight of others and feels no guilt or remorse if his conduct injurs those he encounters. He does not experience anxiety over his behavior unless his personal safety, security, freedom, wealth, etc., is threatened. Essentially, he can perform any behavior to intentionally injure another and feel no guilt or remorse.

He feels that he is above the law; that laws were written for others, not him. When caught for a legal violation, he will rationalize his behavior, and if at all possible, eliminate his culpability by placing the blame on another. The young woman date raped by an ASPD will find herself under scrutiny; the ASPD attacker accusing the victim of provocative, seductive, "she really wanted it" behavior. He will use date rape drugs in a blink of the eye without any concern for the victim.

It is not until all escape routes are blocked that he will throw himself on the mercy of the court. He will theatrically present tears of remorse. However, his only remorse is that he was caught and cannot escape the consequence. He will continue to manipulate right up until the jail door slams.

Another serious variable is intelligence; the higher the level of intelligence, the more covert the behavior. Highly intelligent ASPDs will manipulate others to do his "dirty work". He is the true "Con Man". He presents gregarious, articulate, and attractive mannerisms that demonstrate a sincere interest in others; only a well staged theatrical production.

Is he capable of violence? Absolutely. If his needs require violence, he will utilize it. If he feels that you’ve violated him or failed to meet his expectations, he will execute retaliation. His level of "direct" violence is directly related to his level of intelligence and thoughts about escaping without consequence. If he does not believe he can beat you in a fist fight, he'll utilize a gun, or he just may burn your house down, but he will retaliate.

More about Dr. Dobbert

A 35 year veteran of the criminal justice profession, Dr. Duane Dobbert has experience as a clinician, consultant, educator, researcher, and expert witness, and has developed training programs on identification of sexual predators. He is author of the books Understanding Personality Disorders and Halting the Sexual Predators among Us: Preventing Attack, Rape and Lust Homicide. Dr. Dobbert is currently a Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Additional Resources

The copyright of the article Characteristics of Antisocial Personalty in Personality Disorders is owned by Tami Port. Permission to republish Characteristics of Antisocial Personalty in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.