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The Psychopath Effect: The mind-altering power of the psychopaths among us
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jun 26We all know what psychopathy is.
Or, at least, we think we do. For decades, we have looked at psychopaths as something 'other': as monsters, or bogeyman. But psychopaths don't just exist on our screens - they exist in our communities, offices and, sometimes, in our very own families.
The Psychopath Effect is the story of the psychopaths among us, those who are searingly antagonistic yet still have a job. Those who approach empathy as an optional extra, yet still have a family. Through case studies and new research, we finally see the mind-altering, everyday effects of those who reduce our ability to think rationally, and who remake our worlds into something unrecognisable.
In this ground-breaking new book from expert psychologist Dr Emma Kavanagh, the potent impact of the psychopath effect is finally exposed. From friends to colleagues, partners to parents, the psychopaths among us are busily trying to alter our brains. Finally, we have a way to spot them to try to reverse their damage.
'Psychopathy only works if the environment allows it. And we are the environment.'
*****
'A fascinating blend of story and science - makes the study of psychopathy come alive. If you really want to know what a psychopath is, this book makes it real' Dr Ben Cave, author of What We Fear Most
Or, at least, we think we do. For decades, we have looked at psychopaths as something 'other': as monsters, or bogeyman. But psychopaths don't just exist on our screens - they exist in our communities, offices and, sometimes, in our very own families.
The Psychopath Effect is the story of the psychopaths among us, those who are searingly antagonistic yet still have a job. Those who approach empathy as an optional extra, yet still have a family. Through case studies and new research, we finally see the mind-altering, everyday effects of those who reduce our ability to think rationally, and who remake our worlds into something unrecognisable.
In this ground-breaking new book from expert psychologist Dr Emma Kavanagh, the potent impact of the psychopath effect is finally exposed. From friends to colleagues, partners to parents, the psychopaths among us are busily trying to alter our brains. Finally, we have a way to spot them to try to reverse their damage.
'Psychopathy only works if the environment allows it. And we are the environment.'
*****
'A fascinating blend of story and science - makes the study of psychopathy come alive. If you really want to know what a psychopath is, this book makes it real' Dr Ben Cave, author of What We Fear Most
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 18, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the Orion publishing group for providing me with a free ARC of this book!
If you know me you know I love a non fiction especially with a psychological focus. This book was no exception. "The Psychopath Effect" at its core is a book that encourages community and gives us clues on how healthy relationships of all kind should function. Although it highlights the psychopath's psyche it mostly helps the reader understand the effects of trauma and abuse. I personally highlighted many sentences as it echoed greatly with many of my experiences with bullying. I really enjoyed the author's use of real life vignettes as it gave concrete exemples of what psychopathy might look like and made it feel less "other", putting the spotlight on the traits that make up psychopathy and the spectrum they are on but also how our current neoliberal/capitalist society fosters them.
I can see this publication truly help in reducing stigma linked to mental health whether for the psychopaths or those they might have hurt, perhaps then struggling with issues like CPTSD.
Cherry on the cake, even when Dr Kavanagh is detailing complex concepts like neuroplasticity for example, it still felt like listening to a friend speak about their favourite topic of interest: fascinating and fun!
I wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone, most of all those of us who deal with trauma linked to abusive close relationships.
If you know me you know I love a non fiction especially with a psychological focus. This book was no exception. "The Psychopath Effect" at its core is a book that encourages community and gives us clues on how healthy relationships of all kind should function. Although it highlights the psychopath's psyche it mostly helps the reader understand the effects of trauma and abuse. I personally highlighted many sentences as it echoed greatly with many of my experiences with bullying. I really enjoyed the author's use of real life vignettes as it gave concrete exemples of what psychopathy might look like and made it feel less "other", putting the spotlight on the traits that make up psychopathy and the spectrum they are on but also how our current neoliberal/capitalist society fosters them.
I can see this publication truly help in reducing stigma linked to mental health whether for the psychopaths or those they might have hurt, perhaps then struggling with issues like CPTSD.
Cherry on the cake, even when Dr Kavanagh is detailing complex concepts like neuroplasticity for example, it still felt like listening to a friend speak about their favourite topic of interest: fascinating and fun!
I wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone, most of all those of us who deal with trauma linked to abusive close relationships.
Displaying 1 of 1 review