Secondary psychopathy is described as not inherent and caused by factors such as...

• A. Inherent, stable traits
• B. Prototypical psychopathy
• C. Not inherent; caused by low intelligence, social disadvantage, and anxiety-driven impulsivity
• D. Low aggression and high self-control

Answer: (C)

Secondary psychopathy is understood as arising from environmental and developmental factors rather than from an inborn personality trait. It is thought to develop in response to risk factors in a person’s life—such as lower cognitive functioning, social disadvantage, and anxiety-driven impulsivity—that contribute to antisocial or manipulative behavior as a coping strategy. This is why the statement that it is not inherent and caused by low intelligence, social disadvantage, and anxiety-driven impulsivity best fits the concept: it emphasizes non-inherited origins shaped by context and experience.

In contrast, choices that describe inherent, stable traits or prototypical psychopathy align more with primary psychopathy, which is viewed as more biologically based. A description of low aggression and high self-control conflicts with the typical presentation of psychopathy, which includes risk for high manipulation and antisocial behavior.