KENT A. KIEHL, PhD, is an executive science offi cer of the nonprofit Mind Research Network and a professor of psychology, neurosciences, and law at the University of New Mexico. In addition to authoring more than 130 articles in peer-reviewed publications, Kiehl has writ ten for Scientific American, has appeared on NPR, and was profiled by John Seabrook in The New Yorker. He currently directs five major NIH-funded projects in psychopathy and related mental illnesses. He lectures extensively to state and federal judges, lawyers, cor rectional officials, and lay audiences about the inter section of neuroscience and the law.
"A world-renowned researcher of psychopaths delves into the origins
of their behavior, especially as it relates to the inner workings
of the brain...Navigates these issues and more with compassion and
insight. Fast-paced and thrilling." -Kirkus Reviews
"In this compassionate study, Kiehl, professor of psychology,
neurosciences, and law at the University of New Mexico, attempts to
provide a way to understand and improve the lives of
psychopaths...Kiehl's goal is not to sensationalize, but rather to
learn and assist...His pedigree speaks volumes: he has devoted a
good portion of his career to this oft-maligned population."
-Publishers Weekly
"A renowned neuroscientist provides us with a fascinating account
of his personal journey into the mind of the psychopath."
-Robert D. Hare, Professor Emeritus, University of British
Columbia, author of Without Conscience
"A lucid and closely observed portrait of what psychopaths are
actually like, with their chilling combination of moral apathy and
charm, by one of the leading researchers and innovators in the
field. A Fascinating and terrifying book, and a potential life
saver." -John Seabrook, The New Yorker
"A must read! Dr. Kiehl's stories about psychopaths are as
authentic as can be. I found Dr. Kiehl's research formed the
backbone of my work in analyzing the behavioral signature of a
psychopath left behind at the crime scene. Whether you work in
mental health, law enforcement, the judiciary or research, don't
trust your gut about this disorder- learn about it from one of the
foremost experts in the field." -Mary Ellen O'Toole,
Special Agent (retired), Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
"Highly engaging and personal perspective from a world leading
scientist in the field of psychopathy research. What sets this book
apart is the combination of an accessible overview of the cutting
edge science and compelling and authentic portrayal of what
individuals with psychopathy are really like." - Essi Viding,
Professor of Developmental Psychopathology, University College
London
"By primates standards, humans are intensely social, affiliative,
and empathic. Thus, we are fascinated with the rare individuals who
lack those traits, who have a reptilian indifference to what makes
humans humane. Criminal psychopaths are the iconic example of such
terrifyingly broken humans. In this superb book written by one of
the pioneers in this field, Kent Kiehl explores what is different
about the brains of psychopaths. This is a clear, accessible
account of the science and, in addition, an appealing personal
story of how Kiehl has gone about his unique science." -Robert
Sapolsky, Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences,
Stanford University
"An exhilarating exploration into the lives, minds and emotions of
criminal psychopaths by one of the leading researchers in the
field. This lively and engaging narrative not only educates the
reader on the internal machinations of the psychopath, but also
takes us through Kiehl's own life journey of scientific discovery.
It's an irresistible read that is hard to put down. Even after
decades of my own research I found myself learning new perspectives
on the psychopath. Serious, witty, saddening and beguiling, The
Psychopath Whisperer yells out as a "must read" for anyone
interested in those without conscience." -Adrian Raine,
Professor of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of
Pennsylvania
"The fascinating story of how Kent Kiehl, a remarkably energetic
and accomplished scientist, used functional magnetic resonance
imaging (fMRI) and a mobile brain scanner to examine the brains of
more psychopathic prisoners than anyone in the world and
characterize their dysfunction. Filled with entertaining anecdotes
of psychopaths in prison, research collaborations, and scientific
discovery, the book discusses the ramifications of his finding to
the criminal system and to the treatment of psychopathic juvenile
delinquents. An eye-opening read!" - Dr. Joseph Newman,
Professor of Psychology, University of Wisconsin,
Madison
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