assessment
In order to assess whether Leonarda Cianciulli was actually a psychopath, the following assessment tools were used.
The Psychopathy Check List (PCL-R):
Developed by Robert Hare, this check list is comprised of items that combine to describe a psychopath. Each item is evaluated and scored on a scale of 0 to 2. The average person will likely score below 10. A score of 30 or higher would qualify you as a psychopath (Hare, 1999).
Note: I am not trained to administer this test, nor was a formal guide used. This analysis is based on the characteristics described in "Without Conscience" by Robert Hare and Robert Hare's PCL-R.
Developed by Robert Hare, this check list is comprised of items that combine to describe a psychopath. Each item is evaluated and scored on a scale of 0 to 2. The average person will likely score below 10. A score of 30 or higher would qualify you as a psychopath (Hare, 1999).
Note: I am not trained to administer this test, nor was a formal guide used. This analysis is based on the characteristics described in "Without Conscience" by Robert Hare and Robert Hare's PCL-R.
PCL-R:
Glibness/Superficial Charm Grandiose sense of self-worth Need for stimulation/Proneness to boredom Pathological Lying Conning/Manipulative Lack of Remorse or Guilt Shallow Affect Callous/Lack of Empathy Parasitic Lifestyle Poor Behavioral Controls Promiscuous Sexual Behavior Early Behavioral Problems Lack of Realistic, Long-term Goals Impulsivity Irresponsibility Failure to Accept Responsibility for own actions Many Short-term Marital Relationships Juvenile Delinquincy Revocation of Conditional Release Criminal Versatility |
Evidence for or against the characteristic:
Leonarda's ability to charm victims to her home, her reported reputation as a kind woman Perhaps she also enjoyed fortune telling because of the power and adoration it brought her Her study of the occult, the continued killing after fulfilling the 'life for a life' rule There is no evidence that Leonarda lied pathologically, but she was willing to lie to her victims in order to lure them to her house. Leonarda convinced the victims to come to her house after convincing them to send their relatives misleading letters Leonarda showed no trace of remorse or guilt at her trial, and confessed immediately There is no evidence either for or against this trait Leonarda's quotes show her delight at murdering and making soap and cookies from the bodies Leonarda was able to run her own store and live off her earnings There is no evidence of this characteristic. There is no evidence of this characteristic. Leonarda had a tumultuous childhood and tried to commit suicide twice, but there is no other evidence of early problems Leonarda had unrealistic goals: she wanted to keep her son alive by committing murder Leonarda seems to lack these two qualities as she ran a business and her crimes were well planned out, although she did elope when young Leonarda confessed to all crimes, however her motivation may have led her to believe that murder was necessary or forced upon her Leonarda was only married once There is no record of any juvenile crimes Leonarda never tried to escape prison Leonarda only commited one type of crime: murder |
Score:
2 2 1 1 2 2 OMIT 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 |
According to this analysis, Leonarda scored a 16 out of 38 on the PCL-R.
So based on Robert Hare's measure, she would not be classified as a psychopath.
So based on Robert Hare's measure, she would not be classified as a psychopath.
Except...
Psychopathy can be understood as either dimensional or categorical construct (Patrick, 2007).
A categorical model means you either are a psychopath, or you are not.
A dimensional model reflects a continuum of psychopathy; you can be a little psychopathic, or a lot.
A categorical model states there is one kind of psychopath.
A dimensional model recognizes two types of psychopaths: primary and secondary.
A primary psychopath is known as the "true psychopath" and typically have very high PCL-R scores.
They were psychopaths since childhood.
A primary psychopath experiences primary detachment since infancy and human disidentification.
In other words, they cannot form bonds or connections with others.
They also exhibit more personal deviance (traits that are seen as deviant of a 'normal' person)
A secondary psychopath may be diagnosed as having Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Secondary psychopaths detach later in life and tend to have lower PCL-R scores than primary psychopaths.
So, they cannot form attachments, but they once could.
They often show more social deviance (such as criminality).
(All above information based on lectures in CRJS 450 by Helfgott, J.)
It is likely, that although Leonarda would not be categorically defined as a psychopath,
she is a secondary psychopath.
Psychopathy can be understood as either dimensional or categorical construct (Patrick, 2007).
A categorical model means you either are a psychopath, or you are not.
A dimensional model reflects a continuum of psychopathy; you can be a little psychopathic, or a lot.
A categorical model states there is one kind of psychopath.
A dimensional model recognizes two types of psychopaths: primary and secondary.
A primary psychopath is known as the "true psychopath" and typically have very high PCL-R scores.
They were psychopaths since childhood.
A primary psychopath experiences primary detachment since infancy and human disidentification.
In other words, they cannot form bonds or connections with others.
They also exhibit more personal deviance (traits that are seen as deviant of a 'normal' person)
A secondary psychopath may be diagnosed as having Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Secondary psychopaths detach later in life and tend to have lower PCL-R scores than primary psychopaths.
So, they cannot form attachments, but they once could.
They often show more social deviance (such as criminality).
(All above information based on lectures in CRJS 450 by Helfgott, J.)
It is likely, that although Leonarda would not be categorically defined as a psychopath,
she is a secondary psychopath.
References:
Hare, R. (1993). Without Conscience. New York: Pocket Books.
Helfgott, J. (1/16/2014). CRJS 450 Lecture. Seattle University.
Patrick, C. J. (2007). The Handbook of Psychopathy. New York: Guilford Press.
Hare, R. (1993). Without Conscience. New York: Pocket Books.
Helfgott, J. (1/16/2014). CRJS 450 Lecture. Seattle University.
Patrick, C. J. (2007). The Handbook of Psychopathy. New York: Guilford Press.