Psychopathy has fascinated the public for years due to the horrific and perverse portrayal it has received in the media. Psychopathy is defined in the DSM-III as a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, decreased empathy and remorse, and disinhibited or bold behavior (Patrick, Christopher, Fowles, Krueger, Rober , 2009). Psychopathy represents a group of different personality dimensions found in the general population to varying degrees (Patrick et al, 2009). The diagnostic definition is intended to be applied to adults, but psychopathology can occur in children. Controversy surrounds the topic of childhood mental illness, as the brain is not fully developed until the age of 18; thus allowing the possibility that symptoms are a result of growth and will change. The Triarchic Model, formulated by Christopher J. Patrick, is the most commonly used model for diagnosing adult and child psychopathy. This model suggests that different conceptions of psychopathy emphasize three characteristics observable to varying degrees: boldness, disinhibition and meanness (Patrick, et al, 2009). Boldness is the first observable characteristic and includes low fear, including stress tolerance, tolerance for the unknown and danger, and high self-confidence and social assertiveness. Disinhibition; characterized by poor impulse control, including problems with planning and foresight, lack of emotion and impulse control, demand for immediate gratification, and poor behavioral constraints. Meanness is defined as lack of empathy and close attachments with others, disdain of close attachments, use of cruelty to gain empowerment, exploitative tendencies, defiance of authority and destructive excitement seeking...... middle of paper ...... "Sychopathy: developmental origins of disinhibition, boldness, and meanness." 1998). Prevalence of psychopathology in children and adolescents. American Journal of Psychology, 155: 715-725. Salekin, Randall, Lynam, Donald, (2010). Treatment of child and adolescent psychopathy: focusing on change. , (pp. 343-373). New York, NY, USA: Guilford Press, xi, 451 pp. Tackett, JL, Lahey, BB, van Hulle, C., Waldman, I., Krueger, RF, and Rathouz. , P.J. (2013). Common genetic influences on negative emotionality and general psychopathological factor in childhood and adolescence. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(4), 11421153. doi:10.1037/a.0034151