The mask of sanity: An attempt to clarify some issues about the so-called psychopathic personality (3rd ed.).General poverty in major affective reactions.
Abstract
This chapter highlights a common characteristic found in psychopaths -- general poverty in major affective reactions. In addition to his incapacity for object-love, the psychopath always shows general poverty of affect. While it is true that he sometimes becomes excited and shouts as if in rage or seems to exult in enthusiasm and again weeps in what appear to be bitter tears or speaks eloquent and mournful words about his misfortunes or his follies, the conviction dawns on those who observe him carefully that here we deal with a readiness of expression rather than a strength of feeling. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)