The Character Therapist: Using the Term Psychopath Correctly in Fiction

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Using the Term Psychopath Correctly in Fiction

I'd like to clarify the usage of the term psychopath in fiction.

Colloquially, people use the term to indicate that someone is “crazy,” but that would be a gross overstatement. I’ve got family members who are crazy, but they are in no way, shape, or form psychopaths.

In the psychological field, the term is mainly used in conjunction with or as the equivalent to antisocial personality disorder, but this is shortsighted and incorrect.

Click here to read the rest of my article for Christian Fiction Online Magazine. In it, I go into detail about a measurement used to determine if someone is truly a psychopath or not.

Let's Analyze: Have you ever misused the term psychopath?

Click here for a chance to win Dineen Miller's debut fiction novel, The Soul Saver.

Comments (6)

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jessicarpatch 25p · 667 weeks ago

Of course as I refer to my son and occasionally my husband as such! But not in fiction. ;)

1 reply · active 667 weeks ago

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jeanniecampbell 76p · 667 weeks ago

of course. of course. :)

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Ramona · 667 weeks ago

I love that moment in the new SHERLOCK when someone accuses him of a being a psychopath. His response is classic: "I'm not a psychopath. I'm a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research."

3 replies · active 667 weeks ago

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jeanniecampbell 76p · 667 weeks ago

i'll have to see that!! smooth.

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LibertySpeidel 17p · 667 weeks ago

I was just getting on here to say the same thing! First season, episode 1, "A Study in Pink". :) So, so classic.

Jeannie, I have a feeling you'd thoroughly enjoy the series. I've gone through the first season, ready for #2, and already anticipating them filming season 3 next winter.