PSY 1848: The Social World of the Developing Psychopath

Some kids break the rules. Others don’t seem to care they exist. Why do some grow into empathetic, socially responsible adults while others develop traits like manipulation, fearlessness, and a lack of remorse? This seminar dives into one of the most unsettling questions in developmental psychology: How do early social experiences shape the trajectory toward psychopathy? Students will explore how risk factors such as insecure attachment, harsh parenting, and deviant peer influences contribute to the development of callous-unemotional (CU) traits and severe antisocial behavior. Through a blend of case studies, cutting-edge research, and seminar-style discussions, we’ll examine how children with CU traits regulate emotions, navigate peer relationships, and respond (or fail to respond) to traditional interventions. We’ll critically evaluate why common treatment approaches often fall short and investigate emerging interventions designed to improve emotion regulation and reduce aggression. This course challenges students to engage with complex issues, explore innovative solutions, and consider how the field of developmental psychology can evolve to better address these difficult behaviors.