Psychopathy: Between Genetics, Environment, and Professional Success

Psychopathy, often linked to criminal behavior, also manifests in high-performance social and professional contexts. Defined by traits such as lack of empathy, manipulation, egocentrism, and absence of remorse, this condition has been widely studied across various disciplines.

Psychologist Kevin Dutton, from the Institute of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, compiled a list—recently popularized on social media by mental health professionals—that identifies the ten professions where functional psychopaths tend to thrive. These occupations share three key elements: power, critical decision-making, and control over others. The top 10 professions with the highest prevalence of psychopaths are:

CEO or Corporate Executive – Absolute power over others and the ability to make strategic decisions without emotional attachment provide an ideal setting.

Lawyer – Whether defending or prosecuting, manipulating arguments beyond moral boundaries can appeal to those with psychopathic traits.

Media Personality (TV/Radio) – The desire for attention, inflated egos, and emotional detachment from their impact on others make this a natural environment.

Salesperson – Persuasion, emotional manipulation, and the ability to close deals without ethical concern are consistent with psychopathic tendencies.

Surgeon – High-pressure decisions and the need to remain emotionally detached during critical procedures can attract functional psychopaths.

Journalist – Similar to media roles, but with the added element of pursuing stories that may involve emotional trauma—without personal involvement.

Police Officer – Authority, use of force, and high-stakes control situations are attractive to some individuals with psychopathic traits.

Clergy or Religious Leader – Though counterintuitive, some seek influence and power within hierarchical structures with limited oversight.

Chef – Intense pressure, large egos, and competitive environments make professional kitchens fertile ground.

Civil Servant – Bureaucratic power and indirect control over others’ lives can be appealing to functional psychopaths.

As for global prevalence, a 2021 meta-analysis estimated that about 4.5% of the adult population exhibits psychopathic traits. However, this figure drops to 1.2% when using more rigorous clinical tools such as the PCL-R. Men are more commonly diagnosed, though women may also present psychopathic traits, often in less overt ways due to societal expectations.

Are psychopaths born or made? Research suggests a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental influence. While heredity plays a role, early experiences of abuse, emotional neglect, or unstable upbringing environments are also significant contributors.

Importantly, not all individuals with psychopathic traits are criminals. Many adapt successfully to professional life without breaking the law. However, when these individuals rise to positions of unchecked power, the consequences can be severe for colleagues, institutions, and society as a whole.