Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt. People with psychopathy tend to be superficially charming, manipulative, and impulsive.
Although most people with psychopathy never become violent, they tend to be overrepresented in certain professions that involve risk-taking, dominance, and power over others. Here are the top 15 psychopath-heavy professions.
1. CEO
CEOs are often described as charismatic, confident, and driven individuals who are willing to take risks and make tough decisions. However, some CEOs may also have psychopathic traits, such as grandiosity, narcissism, and unethical behavior.
According to a study by Australian psychologist Nathan Brooks, up to 21% of CEOs may be psychopaths, compared to 1% in the general population. This is not to say that all CEOs are psychopaths or that psychopaths make better CEOs, but rather that some individuals with psychopathy may be attracted to and successful in high-stress, competitive, and reward-driven environments.
2. Lawyer
Lawyers are trained to be advocates, negotiators, and problem-solvers. They are also exposed to the darker side of human nature, such as crime, conflict, and injustice.
As a result, some lawyers may develop psychopathic traits, such as callousness, aggression, and a lack of empathy. A study by Canadian psychologist Robert Hare, who developed the Psychopathy Checklist, found that lawyers scored higher than non-lawyers on measures of psychopathy, especially in terms of interpersonal and affective traits.
3. Media (Television/Radio)
Media personalities, such as talk-show hosts, journalists, and reporters, rely on their charisma, wit, and persuasion to engage and influence their audience.
However, some media personalities may also exhibit psychopathic traits, such as superficial charm, grandiosity, and a disregard for others’ privacy or feelings. According to a study by American psychologist Drew Pinsky, media professionals scored higher than non-media professionals on measures of narcissism and exploitativeness, which are related to psychopathy.
4. Salesperson
Salespeople are known for their ability to read people, build rapport, and close deals. They are also under constant pressure to meet quotas, overcome objections, and maintain a positive attitude.
Some salespeople, especially those in high-stakes or commission-based jobs, may develop psychopathic traits, such as manipulativeness, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy. According to a study by American psychologist Liane Leedom, salespeople scored higher than non-salespeople on measures of impulsivity and sensation-seeking, which are associated with psychopathy.
5. Surgeon
Surgeons are tasked with saving lives, fixing injuries, and performing complex procedures. They are also exposed to stressful, unpredictable, and life-or-death situations, which can take a toll on their mental health and emotional well-being.
Some surgeons, especially those who specialize in high-risk or emergency surgeries, may exhibit psychopathic traits, such as a lack of fear, emotions, or empathy. According to a study by American psychologist Michael Babiak, surgeons scored higher than non-surgeons on measures of stress tolerance and egoism, which are related to psychopathy.
6. Journalist
Journalists are responsible for uncovering and reporting the news, often in challenging or dangerous environments. They are also exposed to trauma, violence, and tragedy, which can affect their mental health and resilience.
Some journalists, especially those who cover crime, war, or politics, may display psychopathic traits, such as thrill-seeking, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy. According to a study by American psychologist Kevin Dutton, journalists scored higher than non-journalists on measures of fearlessness, sensation-seeking, and risk-taking, which are related to psychopathy.
7. Police Officer
Police officers are tasked with maintaining law and order, protecting communities, and detecting and preventing crime. They are also exposed to danger, violence, and trauma, which can lead to PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues.
Some police officers, especially those in SWAT teams, undercover units, or high-crime areas, may exhibit psychopathic traits, such as callousness, aggression, and a lack of empathy. According to a study by Australian forensic psychologist Belinda Board and colleagues, police officers scored higher than non-police officers on measures of aggression and stress tolerance, which are associated with psychopathy.
8. Chef
Chefs are responsible for creating and serving high-quality, innovative, and memorable meals to diners. They are also under pressure to meet deadlines, manage staff, and maintain a competitive edge.
Some chefs, especially those in high-end or Michelin-starred restaurants, may display psychopathic traits, such as perfectionism, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy. According to a study by American psychologist David Lykken, chefs scored higher than non-chefs on measures of achievement orientation and impulsivity, which are related to psychopathy.
9. C-level Executive
C-level executives are senior-level leaders who oversee the strategic direction, financial performance, and day-to-day operations of a company. They are also responsible for managing stakeholders, negotiating deals, and making tough decisions.
Some C-level executives, especially those in controversial or high-stakes industries, may exhibit psychopathic traits, such as grandiosity, narcissism, and a lack of conscience. According to a study by British psychologist Clive Boddy, corporate psychopaths cost companies billions of dollars in fraud, lawsuits, and other negative outcomes.
10. Clergy
Clergy members, such as priests, ministers, and rabbis, are responsible for guiding and counseling their congregants, leading religious services, and upholding moral and ethical principles.
They are also expected to be compassionate, empathetic, and supportive. However, some clergy members, especially those who abuse their power or engage in inappropriate behavior, may display psychopathic traits, such as manipulation, deceit, and a lack of empathy.
According to a study by American psychiatrist Tim Field, spiritual abuse is a form of psychological abuse that can cause long-term damage to the victims.
11. Civil Servant
Civil servants are public officials who work in government agencies and departments to provide services, enforce regulations, and oversee policies.
They are also responsible for serving the public interest, upholding the law, and maintaining transparency and accountability. Some civil servants, especially those in high-pressure or high-profile roles, may exhibit psychopathic traits, such as egocentrism, cynicism, and a lack of empathy.
According to a study by British psychologist David Owen, civil servants scored higher than non-civil servants on measures of hostility, aggression, and stress tolerance, which are related to psychopathy.
12. Creative Artist
Creative artists, such as writers, musicians, and painters, are known for their originality, imagination, and expressiveness. They are also under pressure to produce new ideas, satisfy their audience, and maintain their reputation.
Some creative artists, especially those who struggle with addiction, rejection, or mental health issues, may display psychopathic traits, such as impulsivity, emotional instability, and a lack of empathy. According to a study by American psychologist James Fallon, creative minds are more likely to exhibit psychopathy because of their unconventional thinking and risk-taking tendencies.
13. Media Entertainment
Media entertainment professionals, such as actors, directors, and producers, are responsible for creating and delivering compelling and entertaining content to audiences. They are also under pressure to be successful, popular, and financially rewarding.
Some media entertainment professionals, especially those who prioritize fame, fortune, or power over ethics or morality, may display psychopathic traits, such as narcissism, deceit, and a lack of empathy. According to a study by American psychiatrist Michael Stone, screen villains are more likely to exhibit psychopathy than screen heroes or neutral characters.
14. Civil Engineer
Civil engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They are also under pressure to meet deadlines, budgets, and safety standards.
Some civil engineers, especially those in high-risk or high-profile projects, may exhibit psychopathic traits, such as thrill-seeking, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy. According to a study by American psychologist Scott Lilienfeld and colleagues, engineers scored higher than non-engineers on measures of systemizing, which are related to psychopathy.
15. Physician
Physicians are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and injuries, as well as maintaining the health and well-being of their patients.
They are also under pressure to keep up with medical advancements, satisfy their patients, and avoid medical errors. Some physicians, especially those in high-stress or high-stakes specialties, may exhibit psychopathic traits, such as disinhibition, egocentrism, and a lack of empathy.
According to a study by British neuroscientist James Blair, some physicians may exhibit empathy deficits similar to those observed in psychopathy, which can affect their patient care and communication skills.
