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Empathy Deficit in Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Psychodynamic Formulation

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Abstract

Empathic difficulty is a highly consequential characteristic of antisocial personality structure. The origin, maintenance, and possible resolution of this profound deficit are not very clear. While reconstructing empathic ability is of primary importance in the treatment of antisocial personality, not many proven procedures are in evidence. In this article, the author offers a psychodynamic formulation of the origin, character, and maintenance of the empathic deficiency in antisocial personality. The author discusses some of the treatment implications from this dynamic formulation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. A.B.P.P., 2048 North Waterman Avenue, San Bernardino, 92404, CA

    Joseph M Malancharuvil

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  1. Joseph M Malancharuvil
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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of any institutions or agencies.

1Ph.D., A.B.P.P. is a Diplomat of the American Board of Professional Psychology (clinical) and has more than 30 years experience working with individuals with antisocial personality disorder. He was the Chief Psychologist and Clinical Administrator of one of the largest forensic psychiatric hospitals in the United States. He is a member of the American Board of Professional Psychology; the American Psychological Association, and the California Psychological Association. He is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Psychology.

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Malancharuvil, J. Empathy Deficit in Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Psychodynamic Formulation. Am J Psychoanal 72, 242–250 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1057/ajp.2012.9

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