Echoes of Evil? Why Extremists Diverge From Full-Spectrum Psychopathy

Abstract: Psychopathy encompasses a range of personality traits, including deceitfulness, lack of empathy, impulsivity, and antisociality. While it has often been assumed that extremists are inherently psychopathic, this assumption lacks solid empirical support. Two studies examined this relationship. Using public and legal reports on right-wing extremists and Islamists in Study 1 and PIRUS (Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States) data on Islamists in Study 2, psychopathy was assessed with the PCL-R. Results showed that extremists diverge from full-spectrum psychopathy. Specifically, they exhibited elevated psychopathic traits in Facets 1 (Interpersonal) and 2 (Affective), at levels comparable to or exceeding those of other offenders, whereas Facets 3 (Parasitic Lifestyle) and 4 (Antisocial) were considerably less pronounced. Notably, the Interpersonal Facet was especially characteristic of lone actors, whereas the Affective Facet predicted radicalization intensity. These findings suggest that psychopathic traits in extremists may reflect processes associated within radicalization rather than inherent personality dispositions.