This book begins with a review of the problems associated with the definition and diagnosis of psychopathy for research and clinical purposes, and the historical development of the concept of psychopathy. It goes on to deal with the genetic determinants of psychopathic and criminal behavior. the aetiological implications of childhood histories of psychopaths and the relationship between persistent criminality and psychopathy. The book ends with an overview of the treatment of adolescent and adult psychopaths.
Robert D. Hare, C.M. (born 1934 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) is a researcher in the field of criminal psychology. He developed the Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-Revised), used to assess cases of psychopathy. Hare advises the FBI's Child Abduction and Serial Murder Investigative Resources Center (CASMIRC) and consults for various British and North American prison services.