Psychopaths are notorious for their charm, manipulation, and emotional game playing. They employ these to manipulate and lie to others, usually leaving their victims in confusion and shattered into pieces. Their talent for lying well and showing themselves as trustworthy enables them to manipulate others even the law with ease.
Surprisingly, what gives a psychopath such strength may also be their greatest weakness: their narcissism.
Manipulating Their Ego Against Them
Dr. Robert Hare, who is among the world's experts on psychopathy and the inventor of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), has said in the past that "everyone is vulnerable to the psychopath." But he also added that perhaps their narcissism could be turned against them.
Speaking at a conference on child abuse several years ago, Dr. Hare described, "If you want a psychopath to confess to a crime, you must appeal to his narcissism." In other words, sometimes you can reach a psychopath if you stroke their ego but do it with caution.
Other psychopathy experts concur.
- Dr. J. Reid Meloy explained that this tactic only succeeds if it's done in earnest not as transparent flattery. The most important thing is to make them feel special and valued.
- Dr. Jason Smith recommended presenting empathy and reflecting their conviction that they're a "good person" in order to get them to open up.
- Dr. Carl Gacono cautioned, though, that "you can't do it if you don't know them better than they know themselves."
Employing Narcissism in When Narcissism Becomes a Psychopath's Weak Point
Evaluation
The PCL-R test assists psychologists in quantifying how harmful or manipulative an offender is likely to be. Through such interviews, professionals adopt the subtle practice of praising or "mirroring" psychopaths particularly women to obtain information they may otherwise conceal. This is effective since it assaults their ego need for admiration and approval straight on.
When Lives Are on the Line
Even in high-stress situations, such as hostage crises, understanding psychopathy can save lives. Some research suggests that appealing to a perpetrator’s narcissism can help negotiators calm the situation.
If a hostage-taker shows signs of psychopathy, negotiators may use “ego-stimulation” making them feel important, powerful, or in control to influence their decisions and encourage cooperation.
The Takeaway
A psychopath's biggest asset their inflated ego can also be employed to control or expose them. In therapy, interrogation, or crisis intervention, appealing to their narcissism can at times divulge the truth or at least deter harm.
Ultimately, their ego may just be their downfall.