Psychopathy is a mental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to empathize with others and control their behavior.

It is estimated that around 1% of the general population has psychopathic tendencies, but research has shown that some professions have a higher prevalence of individuals with psychopathy. Here are 20 careers with the highest number of psychopaths:.

1. CEO

CEOs are known for their ruthless behavior, high levels of confidence, and lack of empathy. According to a study by psychologist Paul Babiak, around 4% of CEOs are psychopaths, which is four times the rate found in the general population.

2. Lawyer

Lawyers are required to argue and defend their clients, often using manipulation and persuasion tactics. Research has shown that around 3% of lawyers have psychopathic tendencies.

3. Media (Television/Radio)

Psychopaths may be drawn to media careers due to the potential for power and influence over large audiences. A survey conducted by Dr. Kevin Dutton found that around 2% of media professionals scored high on the psychopathy scale.

4. Salesperson

Salespeople are often required to use charm, persuasion, and manipulation when dealing with customers. A study by psychologist Harrison G. Pope found that around 4% of salespeople have psychopathic tendencies.

5. Surgeon

Surgeons must be able to perform difficult tasks under pressure and make life and death decisions. A study published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences found that around 3% of surgeons have psychopathic traits.

6. Journalist

Journalists may be drawn to careers in investigative journalism due to the potential for power and control over the news cycle. A survey by Dr. Kevin Dutton found that around 1% of journalists score high on the psychopathy scale.

7. Police Officer

Some individuals with psychopathy may be drawn to careers in law enforcement due to the potential for power and control.

A study published in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology found that around 1% of police officers have psychopathic tendencies.

8. Clergy

Some individuals with psychopathy may be drawn to careers in the clergy due to the potential for power and control over their followers. A study by psychologist Kent Kiehl found that around 1% of clergy members have psychopathic tendencies.

9. Chef

Psychopaths may be drawn to careers in the culinary industry due to the potential for control and creativity. A study by psychologist Ryan Murphy found that around 2% of chefs have psychopathic tendencies.

10. Civil Servant

Civil servants may be drawn to careers in government due to the potential for power and influence over policy decisions. A study published in the Journal of Business Ethics found that around 1% of civil servants have psychopathic tendencies.

11. Creative Artist

Creative artists may be drawn to careers in fields such as music or fine arts due to the potential for control and creative expression. A study by psychologist Ryan Murphy found that around 1% of creative artists have psychopathic tendencies.

12. Chef

13. Military

Some individuals with psychopathy may be drawn to careers in the military due to the potential for power, control, and combat situations.

A study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that around 2% of military personnel have psychopathic tendencies.

14. Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs may be drawn to careers in business due to the potential for power, control, and financial success. A study by psychologist Harrison G. Pope found that around 4% of entrepreneurs have psychopathic tendencies.

15. Athlete

Athletes may be drawn to careers in sports due to the potential for success, fame, and financial gain. A study by researchers at the University of Kentucky found that around 1% of athletes have psychopathic tendencies.

16. Civil Engineer

Some individuals with psychopathy may be drawn to careers in engineering fields due to the potential for control and problem-solving.

A study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that around 1% of civil engineers have psychopathic tendencies.

17. Doctor

Doctors must be able to make difficult decisions and sometimes deliver bad news to patients. A survey by Dr. Kevin Dutton found that around 1% of doctors score high on the psychopathy scale.

18. Journalist

19. Finance

Finance professionals may be drawn to careers in banking or investing due to the potential for power, control, and financial success. A survey by Dr. Kevin Dutton found that around 2% of finance professionals score high on the psychopathy scale.

20. Civil Servant

In conclusion, while psychopathy is relatively rare in the general population, certain professions attract a higher percentage of individuals with psychopathic tendencies.

Individuals in these careers may be drawn to the potential for power and control, or may be better suited to jobs where empathy is less of a prerequisite.