Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a former professor of psychological and brain sciences knows a psychopath when she sees one

A psychologist has made a bold claim, suggesting that it’s possible to identify a psychopath by focusing on a single physical feature. This revelation has sparked widespread curiosity and debate among experts and the public alike.

The statement comes as part of ongoing research into psychopathy, a personality disorder often characterized by a lack of empathy, manipulative tendencies, and antisocial behavior. While traditional diagnostic methods involve behavioral and psychological assessments, this claim proposes that certain physical traits could offer critical clues.

The psychologist argues that subtle cues, particularly in non-verbal communication or specific body language, may provide insights into a person’s psychological makeup. Though details on the specific feature weren’t disclosed, the assertion raises questions about how science and observation could intersect to identify complex personality traits.

The claim has drawn both skepticism and intrigue from mental health professionals, with some emphasizing the importance of avoiding hasty judgments based solely on appearance. As research continues, this perspective adds a compelling layer to the discussion surrounding mental health and personality disorders.

Krauss Whitbourne explained that the McGill University in Canada noted in a study of 608 adults found that there was one common denominator between psychopaths and non-psychopaths when asked to strike different poses.

She said that while the test can’t tell you exactly what’s going on in their noggin’, it can give you some clues.

It found that those who had an open or a large pose were more likely to try to take advantage of you, and those who were more extravagant scored higher for traits of ‘psychopathy, manipulativeness, competitiveness, and belief in the existence of social hierarchies.’

On the opposite end of the spectrum, those who slouch or change their stance multiple times quickly were found to have lower self-esteem.

Another revelation was that those who had a straight spine were more likely to have a naff personality.

So, loosen up, but not too much because your stance could reveal that you’re a psychopath.

It’s all in one simple test (Getty Stock Image)

Abigail Marsh, a psychologist and neuroscientist as well as a Professor of Psychology at Georgetown University, US, also has her telltale signs.

In a video for Big Think she listed ‘certain things’ she looks for that suggests a ‘person is genuinely psychopathic’, and they are pretty scary.

Marsh says she sees the sign that a person tends to be ‘anti-social across’ a variety of domains, which isn’t limited to relationships.

“They’ve cheated on romantic partners, they’ve cheated in professional settings or maybe in school, or in a sports setting,” she explains.

“It’s not just one thing or one domain – you see unethical and anti-social behaviour across domains.”

She also shared that psychopaths tend to ‘show signs they think they’re better than other people’.

“Other people are dumb, other people are ignorant, other people are easily duped,” Marsh added.

London-based Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Jaleel Mohammed also shared common signs of antisocial personality disorder, aka, ASPD and impulsivity was right up there on the list.

Traits such as impulsivity, reckless and criminal behaviour could be common in those with antisocial personality disorder.

“Whereas most people may hesitate or think twice about their actions, psychopaths can be dangerously impulsive and make reckless decisions without considering the risk to other people,” Dr Mohammed explained.

It’s hard to know if someone really is a psychopath, as only the licenced criteria can prove that, but it’s good to know what the traits are to steer clear of people who could be bad for your life.

Featured Image Credit: Getty stock/Lionsgate Films