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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Oliver O'Connell

Psychopaths are most likely to live in these US states

  • A new study indicates a correlation between adverse social conditions and higher levels of psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism.
  • The research analyzed data from 1.8 million people across 183 countries, including 144,000 in the U.S., linking personality traits to societal factors like poverty, inequality, and violence.
  • Researchers found that in societies where rules are broken and conditions are poor, individuals tend to prioritize self-interest, leading to higher 'Dark Factor' levels.
  • U.S. states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Nevada and New York were identified with higher 'Dark Factor' levels, while Utah, Vermont, and Alaska showed lower levels.
  • The study suggests that personality is shaped by societal conditions, implying that reforms to reduce corruption and inequality could help prevent the development of negative personality traits.

IN FULL

These are the states where psychopaths are most likely to live

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