Psychopaths are commonly portrayed in popular culture as heartless and emotionless individuals who engage in immoral and abusive behavior without any remorse. However, the question of whether psychopaths are born or made remains a controversial topic in contemporary psychology. As a teacher, it is essential to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of psychopathy, its definition, and the underlying factors contributing to such behavior.
The nature versus nurture debate in the development of psychopathy involves the argument about whether it results from biological or environmental factors. Biologically, studies have suggested that some individuals are predisposed to psychopathy because of genetic influences, such as brain anatomy, neurobiology, and individual differences in temperamental traits (Teten, Mayfield, Buckingham-Howes, & Teague, 2019). On the other hand, environmental influences such as abuse, neglect, and other forms of negative experiences in childhood can lead to the development of psychopathy.
Teaching students about the concept of psychopathy requires an interdisciplinary approach with a focus on the emerging concepts and relevant empirical research outcomes. Such an approach allows students to understand the different aspects of the debate on psychopathy, enabling them to form an accurate and unbiased evaluation. Furthermore, it allows educators to provide students with an understanding of the complexities surrounding the phenomenon of psychopathy.
One effective way of teaching students about psychopaths born or made is through interactive group discussions and activities. Through such sessions, students can learn how to analyze and evaluate different empirical studies, identify the shortcomings, and formulate their opinions based on critical evidence. Activities such as debates, mock trials, and case studies can enhance students’ understanding of the nature versus nurture debate in psychopathy. Role-playing activities can also provide a better understanding of the reasoning and behavior of psychopathic individuals.
As a teacher, it is of utmost importance to present a balanced approach that would inform students of both perspectives and allow them to arrive at their conclusions. Students should understand that psychopathy is a complicated phenomenon and involves a variety of factors, such as genetics, the environment, and the individual’s life experiences.
