London - Around one percent of children could be inherently
psychopathic, with parents unable to turn around their
behaviour, according to researchers. Up until now, children who
lie, manipulate and commit acts of cruelty without remorse, were
thought to be the product of poor parenting. But psychologists
at University College London said two studies which they carried
out showed such traits are largely genetic. It means typical
punishments such as the “naughty step” are unlikely to be
effective. The theme is explored in bestselling novel We Need to
Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver, which is about a mother
struggling to come to terms with her psychopathic, killer son.
Lead researcher Professor Essi Viding said the novel was a good
portrayal of a child psychopath and how their behaviour cannot
be blamed on parents. She said: “Yes, the mother was not a
perfect mother. But this mother managed to bring up one child
[Kevin’s sister] who was perfectly well-integrated and typical,
and another child who was extreme