Targeted computer games can change behavior of psychopaths

Psychopaths generally do not feel fear and fail to consider the emotions of others, or reflect upon their behavior - traits that make them notoriously difficult to treat. However, a study published Dec. 18 in Clinical Psychological Science suggests it may be possible to teach psychopaths to consider emotion and other pieces of information when they make decisions. The results could form the basis of treatment for this group of dangerous prisoners - 7 of 10 of whom go on to commit new crimes after being released. Psychopaths are marked by a lack of emotional affect, unrelenting deceit, and callous disregard for others, noted Yale psychologist Arielle Baskin-Sommers, who conducted the study with former colleagues from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "They are also the world's worst multi-taskers and tend not to process information, such as pain and suffering of others, when they are engaging in criminal acts," Baskin-Sommers said. Psychopaths ignore information that is important to stop antisocial behavior, she noted.