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One of the key characteristics of most psychopaths is their “need for excitement.”1 According to psychopathy expert Dr. Robert D. Hare in his book Without Conscience, "Psychopaths have an ongoing and excessive need for excitement—they long to live in the fast lane or 'on the edge,' where the action is." 2

Seeking excitement drives risk-taking behavior

Psychopathy researcher Dr. Paul Babiak opined about how the psychopath’s lust for excitement can drive risk-taking in the context of a business enterprise. If someone with a high level of psychopathic traits cons their way up the corporate ladder, their quest for excitement can put the entire corporation “in harm’s way.” He notes how risk-taking can lead to “foolhardiness,” especially when it is coupled with a psychopath’s impulsivity. “Impulsivity accentuates risk-taking behavior, leading to acting without sufficient planning and forethought.”3

Babiak also notes that the psychopath’s impulsive risk-taking can underpin thrill-seeking behaviors.

Psychopathic vs. non-psychopathic thrill-seeking

Mark Gridley, while Professor of Psychology at Ohio’s........

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