Final answer:
Psychopaths are distinguished from non-psychopaths by their reduced electrodermal activity, indicating lower fear responses, and by differences in brain activity related to emotion and impulse control. Psychophysiological studies, such as those by Fung et al., provide evidence for these distinctions which contribute to our understanding of psychopathy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychophysiological Differences between Psychopaths and Non-Psychopaths
Psychopaths tend to exhibit specific psychophysiological differences when compared to non-psychopaths. A notable characteristic of psychopaths is their reduced electrodermal activity, which essentially refers to diminished skin conductance responses to stimuli that would typically provoke a reaction in non-psychopathic individuals. This diminished response may be indicative of the lower levels of fear or anxiety that psychopaths experience in situations that would normally be considered stressful or dangerous.
Psychophysiology, which explores the relationship between mental states and physical processes within the body, provides a framework for understanding how psychopaths may differ from the general population. One classic study focusing on this distinction is by Fung et al. (2005), which found that psychopathy-prone adolescents showed reduced electrodermal activity. In addition to electrodermal differences, psychopaths may demonstrate unique patterns of brain activity, particularly in areas associated with emotional processing and impulse control.
Psychopathy has also been extensively discussed within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), with debates on its classification and diagnostic criteria. Another important area of research is the relationship between psychopathology and developmental factors such as the timing of pubertal development.