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Outlined is a simple, tentative conflict model of psychopathic behavior. The model is based upon recent developments in learning theory and upon Miller's approach-avoidance conflict theory of behavior. In Miller's system, the tendency to approach or avoid an ambivalent goal is inversely related to the distance of the organism from the goal. It is proposed here that the psychopath can be conceptualized as having a steeper than nor mal gradient of avoidance tendencies because of his relative inferiority in developing and retaining conditioned fear re sponses, and his low degree of emotional reactivity. The model is used to account for several characteristics of psychopathic behavior and to make experimentally testable hypotheses.
Robert D. Hare (Fri,) studied this question.