Psicopatia: uma revisão sistemática da literatura e uma análise de suas relações com a violência

Abstract

Introduction: The construction of the concept of Psychopathy has been entwined with discussions related to the transformations of the concept of mental illness, particularly in its diagnostic instrumentation, yielding effects of various kinds, shaped by biological, social, and legal conceptions. The conceptual perspectives and approaches to Psychopathy currently coexist with diverse methodologies and distinct lines of study, often aligning with the positivist construction of criminality. Thus, the legal and social relevance of the diagnosis of Psychopathy and a critically and socially engaged conceptual reflection are understood. Methodology: The dissertation divides its analysis into two articles. The first is a systematic literature review, structured according to the PRISMA-P protocol, encompassing publications between 2016 and 2021. It aims to evaluate the conceptual perspectives of Psychopathy used and the relevance of the construct in contemporary contexts. The second approaches the concept of psychopathy from a materialistic perspective, establishing a connection between psychopathy, capitalist morality, Sartrean philosophy, and the identification of psychopathic characteristics within a specific social structure. Results and discussions: A total of 103 studies were included in the systematic review, analyzed through variables such as themes, concepts, nationality, and limitations. The high prevalence of criminal themes as the main subject is noticeable, and although the concept developed by psychiatrist Robert Hare was observed in most studies, there is a lack of unanimity in the conceptualization of Psychopathy in current research. Based on the findings, it was possible to explore how the notion of psychopathy can be used to conceal characteristics present in society that are associated with and perpetuate violence. This critical and interdisciplinary analysis revealed a complex and challenging panorama, highlighting the interactions between psychopathy, social structures, and the dynamics of capitalist consumerism. Conclusion: It is concluded that a return to conceptual investigation considering all dimensions of Psychopathy in the social and scientific discourse is indispensable.