20. Criminal versatility.

This is part of a series of threads analysing the catalogue of alleged symptoms of The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, which purports to identify sociopathy/psychopathy.

20. CRIMINAL VERSATILITY -- a diversity of types of criminal offenses, regardless if the person has been arrested or convicted for them; taking great pride at getting away with crimes.

Discuss whether you believe this is a meaningful symptom and definition, and/or whether something different or more precise is better - as well as how it relates to other alleged disorders.

i think sociopaths are just verry good at making use of an opportunity.ANd find it hard to rezist +what ever it takes.

I believe this trait is relevant because the inability to feel guilt, empathy and remorse can lead to criminal activity. I imagine there aren't too many psychopaths that don't have a diverse criminal background.

Criminal versatility could possibly relate to those with Bipolar Disorder (during their manic state) and Schizoid PD as well to some degree because schizoids often feel flat affect which can reduce the ability to feel guilt, empathy and remorse. I can't think of any other disorders it might relate to in some way.

Anyway, I voted: Yes - and this symptom applies to me because I've committed around 9 different types of crimes in the past.