While you might think that your boss or you co-worker is a total weirdo or a massive jerk, you'd probably stop short of saying they're an actual psychopath, unless you're in one of these 10 professions, then odds are you might be justified in doing so.
A recent study on Alternet took a look at what professions are more likely to appeal to those out there who could be classed as 'psychopaths' using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist that was compiled in the 1980s. They went through some of the most common traits that would lead a person to be considered psychopathic and found that some careers are not only attractive to those types of people, but would also see them thrive and become quite successful.
Psychopaths are, as the study points out, "superficially charming, [they] tend to make a good first impression on others and often strike observers as remarkably normal", so they can be difficult to spot and often get on quite well in their day-to-day lives. However, "they are self-centered, dishonest and undependable, and at times they engage in irresponsible behavior for no apparent reason other than the sheer fun of it". That might sound like your colleague, but they also add that only around 1% of the population are clinical psychopaths (that figure jumps a bit to 25% when applied to prison inmates) so the odds are against you having a Patrick Bateman in your office.
With all that in mind, they produced a list of the top 10 professions where you'll come across a psychopath, and some of them might surprise you.
10. Civil servant
9. Chef
8. Clergy
7. Police Officer
6. Journalist
5. Surgeon
4. Salesperson
3. Media (TV/radio)
2. Lawyer
1. CEO
So journalists and media types eh? How'd that get on there...twice...
You can read the full report, and the reasoning behind the ranking, over on Alternet.
