The rationale for choosing the movie is because it represents a well-worn psychopath-thriller standard of the evil psychopath child. According to the article “Orphan” published by Moria (n d) establishes that “the movie offers an effective contrived twist ending which reveals what the psycho child all about”. In addition the article “Review: Orphan” by Cinematic Happenings under Development (n d) indicates that “there are no supernatural elements attached to the film but instead the story deals with a child known as Esther who is simply a psychopath”. Another reason for choosing the movie “Orphan” is that it depicts a nine-year-old killer and from her character, we can easily explore the difference between criminal and non-criminal psychopath activities. The movie, therefore, shows the characteristics in general that identify a psychopath from an antisocial personality disorder or general criminal and noncriminal behavior.
Describe the characteristics in general that identify a psychopath, including the characteristics that differentiate between a criminal and non-criminal psychopath.
Psychopathy is a serious personality disorder that manifests itself at an early age of an individual (Cooke, Forth & Hare, 1997). A psychopath can also persist throughout most of the lifespan. According to Cooke, Forth & Hare (1997) argued that some of the characteristics of a psychopath include “constellation of affective, interpersonal and behavioral characteristics, central to which is a profound lack of remorse or guilt and a callous disregard for the feelings, rights, and welfare of others” (p. 205). In their further studies they indicated that individuals with this disorder are described as impulsive, selfish, deceitful, sensation-seeing and irresponsible (Cooke, Forth & Hare, 1997).
In their further studies, Cooke, Forth & Hare (1997) indicated that criminal psychopath is associated with characteristics such as impulsivity, chronic instability, an irresponsible lifestyle, and antisocial behavior. A non-criminal psychopath is associated with characteristics such as egocentricity, callousness, and manipulativeness (Cooke, Forth & Hare, 1997). These non-criminal characteristics can correlate strongly with narcissism, empathy, and anxiety.
Describe the characteristics in general that differentiate psychopath from an antisocial personality disorder or general criminal behavior.
Psychopaths and antisocial personalities share an emphasis on socially deviant behavior (Cooke, Forth & Hare, 1997). Cooke, Forth & Hare (1997) says that “the concept of psychopath reflects both the affective and interpersonal characteristics that have traditionally been considered central” (p.206). In contrast, antisocial personality disorder relies exclusively on easily measured behavioral criteria particularly delinquent and criminal behaviors and disregards critical personality characteristics (Cooke, Forth & Hare, 1997). In their further studies, Cooke, Forth & Hare (1997) continue to say that “most clinicians and researchers agree that the personality traits and behaviors that define psychopath are first manifested early in life” (p. 206).
Describe why the main character is classified as a psychopath and not as exhibiting behavior indicative of antisocial personality disorder or general criminal behavior.
The main character in the movie “Orphan” is Esther and she is a criminal psychopath. Initially, psychopath behavior depicted by Esther was that she had been manipulated by the external forces in her surrounding but later it is realized that Esther is a mature young psychopath at work. The article “Review: Orphan” by Cinematic Happenings under Development (n d) indicates that “Esther’s was charm and intellect character made her psychopath and more disturbing hence her first act leaves a girl with a broken leg in the playground” (Cinematic Happenings under Development n d). Cinematic Happenings under Development (n d) continues to say that “Esther does some brutal actions which are equally paired with her devious quest to isolate her new mother from the rest of the family”. It is therefore evident from the movie that Esther uses remorse, embarrassment, thrashing, and rage that irritate Kate. The movie, therefore, indicates that he also becomes bolder in her attempts to sabotage Kate also in which psychopath is portrayed.
Provide a rationale to explain why the character can be categorized as either a criminal or a non-criminal psychopath.
The characters depicted in the movie prove that Esther is a criminal psychopath. This is evident from the way Esther tries to seduce a drunk and sad John. The article published by Internet Movie Database (2009) “Synopsis for Orphan” indicates that Esther demonstrates psychopath by “being angry and hurt at being spurned and therefore she ransacks her room and later stabs John”. This is a criminal associated type of psychopath because at one point Esther intentionally singles out flowers for Kate from Jessica’s plant. Being angry for example and stabbing John shows her chronic instability and how irresponsible Esther was in her lifestyle. This type of evidence of psychopaths was attesting to be reliable and valid.
If the character is a criminal psychopath, describe the criminal behavior exhibited.
The character is a criminal psychopath. This is because Esther portrays the behavior of being angry and hurt when confronted by Kate concerning other family members. At the same time, the movie indicates that Esther ransacks her room and later stabs John hence she is a criminal psychopath. When Esther hears what Sister Abigail says about her past life she hits her with a hammer in the head and then hides the hammer. She also exhibits her criminal psychopath behavior by threatening Daniel that she was to cut off his gentiles if he disclosed what he saw. Her criminal psychopathic behavior is demonstrated by the way she picks flowers for Kate from Jessica’s plant and messes up with them.
Given the unique characteristics of criminal psychopath demonstrated by the main character, describe how the character would be managed in the criminal justice system.
The management of Esther’s character in a criminal justice system would probably present a major challenge in the criminal justice system. This is because with such a person it will be particularly difficult to find a balance between the aims of just punishment the safety of the society and the rehabilitation program that will suit her (Raine & Sanmartín, 2001). The character can be managed through just punishment and through a rehabilitation program. According to Raine & Sanmartín (2001), the management of characters such as Esther can contribute to institutional conflicts and a negative climate within the justice system. The character should therefore undergo a rehabilitation program within the criminal justice system (Raine & Sanmartín, 2001).
If the character is a non-criminal psychopath, theorize how the character would be managed if convicted of a criminal offense.
The management of this condition can two or three dimensions which include treatment, through the justice system, or through rehabilitation. Raine & Sanmartín (2001) indicated that a psychopath character should be “taken to therapeutic modification of human behavior which would require emotional bonding between the therapist and the character, cooperation, openness, expressiveness, reciprocal affirmation and an adequate duration of treatment” (p. 171). Raine & Sanmartín (2001) continue to indicate that the character can be taken through programs that contain psychotherapy behavior modification, education and related psychosocial intervention. Rehabilitation in this case can deliver good results based on the fact that it requires a long duration of time for an individual to recover.
If applicable, articulate the role of compulsive and addictive behavior evident in criminal and non-criminal psychopaths.
The role of compulsive and addictive behavior in criminal and non-criminal psychopaths is that it helps him or her to preserve pretentious self-image (Millon et al., 2003). Compulsive and addictive behaviors are earned through fantasy and self-deception. In this context, Millon et al., (2003) noted that these conditions cause anger, frustration, loneliness, and impaired self-esteem. They also result in a strong and felt sense of deprivation that causes individuals to steal, take, possess, and at the same time devalue that is destroy, punish, diminish ad ruin (Millon et al., 2003).