I know that the point of this article over at MSNBC.com wasn't to scare me into thinking my 3-year-old is a burgeoning psychopath, but unfortunately, that's all I got out of it.
Here's a few highlights:
"...some now believe they can tell if preschoolers are showing risk factors for becoming a psychopath, someone potentially capable of committing bone-chilling crimes without an ounce of guilt or remorse."
"Some mental health professionals say they can recognize early markers in kids as young as toddlers for what may later develop into psychopathy..."
"...even 2-year-olds can exhibit signs that they are lacking 'early empathy'..."
Example: "...a typical toddler may hit another child, watch that child cry and then cry himself in response because he feels bad. But a toddler who lacks empathy will be unfazed by the other child's reaction or efforts at parental discipline."
So, for instance, if a 3-year-old adorable red-headed boy hits his cousin on the head, then smiles and does a little dance while his cousin cries hysterically, is that cause for concern?
I know I'm grossly reducing an entire body of research to my own feeble insecurities as a parent of a toddler, but I can't help it. I've got a strong-willed child. Sometimes I think that's a good thing. And sometimes, like after reading this article, I don't.
Obviously it's not as simplistic as tagging a 2-year-old as a psychopath. Scientists stress that while you may be able to spot certain early signs, like lack of empathy, in toddlers, it's still very possible that these toddlers will outgrow these behaviors. The hope is that if danger signs are spotted early enough, doctors can help kids overcome the unhealthy tendencies.
Of course, the difficulty lies in identifying which behaviors are "callous-emotional" and which are "typical toddler." As almost everyone I told about this article replied: "Aren't all toddlers psychopaths?"
Photo and source: MSNBC.com
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