Psychopathy has fascinated the public for years due to the gruesome and evil portrayal it has received in the media. Psychopathy is defined in the DSM-III as a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, decreased empathy and remorse, and uninhibited or bold behavior (Patrick, Christopher, Fowles, Krueger, Rober, 2009). Psychopathy represents a set of different personality dimensions present in the general population at various levels (Patrick et al, 2009). The diagnostic definition is meant to apply to adults, however psychopathology can also occur in children. The topic of childhood mental illness is controversial because the brain is not fully developed until age 18; thus allowing for the possibility that symptoms are a result of growth and change. The triarchic model, formulated by Christopher J. Patrick, is the most commonly used model in the diagnosis of adult and childhood psychopathy. This model suggests that different conceptions of psychopathy emphasize three characteristics observable to varying degrees; boldness, disinhibition and meanness (Patrick, et al, 2009). Boldness is the first observable characteristic and is composed of low fear, including stress tolerance, tolerance of the unknown and danger, and high self-confidence and social assertiveness. Disinhibition; characterized by poor impulse control, including planning and forecasting problems, lack of affect and impulse control, demand for immediate gratification, and poor behavioral restrictions. Meanness is defined as a lack of empathy and close attachment to others, disregard of close attachments, use of cruelty to gain power, exploitative tendencies, defiance of authority, and destructive excitement seeking… middle of paper… psychopathy: evolutionary origins of disinhibition, boldness, and meanness". Development and Psychopathology (Cambridge University Press) 21 (3): 913–938. doi: 10.1017/S0954579409000492. Retrieved 6 January 2014. Robert, Clifford, Attkisson & Rosenblatt ( 1998 ). Prevalence of psychopathology among children and adolescents. American Journal of Psychology, 155:715-725 Press, xi, 451 pp. Tackett, J. L., Lahey, B. B., van Hulle, C., Waldman, I., Krueger, R. F., & Rathouz, P. J. (2013). in childhood and adolescence. Journal Of Abnormal Psychology, 122(4), 11421153. doi:10.1037/a0034151