
The Psychopath Effect
The mind-altering power of the psychopaths among us
Dr Emma Kavanagh(Author)
Louiza Patikas(Speaker)
Seven Dials (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 18. June 2026
Book
Hardback
384 pages
978-1-3996-3744-2 (ISBN)
Description
We all know what psychopathy is.
Or, at least, we think we do. For decades, we have looked at psychopaths as something 'other': as monsters, or bogeyman. But psychopaths don't just exist on our screens - they exist in our communities, offices and, sometimes, in our very own families.
The Psychopath Effect is the story of the psychopaths among us, those who are searingly antagonistic yet still have a job. Those who approach empathy as an optional extra, yet still have a family. Through case studies and new research, we finally see the mind-altering, everyday effects of those who reduce our ability to think rationally, and who remake our worlds into something unrecognisable.
In this ground-breaking new book from expert psychologist Dr Emma Kavanagh, the potent impact of the psychopath effect is finally exposed. From friends to colleagues, partners to parents, the psychopaths among us are busily trying to alter our brains. Finally, we have a way to spot them to try to reverse their damage.
'Psychopathy only works if the environment allows it. And we are the environment.'
*****
'A fascinating blend of story and science - makes the study of psychopathy come alive. If you really want to know what a psychopath is, this book makes it real' Dr Ben Cave, author of What We Fear Most
Or, at least, we think we do. For decades, we have looked at psychopaths as something 'other': as monsters, or bogeyman. But psychopaths don't just exist on our screens - they exist in our communities, offices and, sometimes, in our very own families.
The Psychopath Effect is the story of the psychopaths among us, those who are searingly antagonistic yet still have a job. Those who approach empathy as an optional extra, yet still have a family. Through case studies and new research, we finally see the mind-altering, everyday effects of those who reduce our ability to think rationally, and who remake our worlds into something unrecognisable.
In this ground-breaking new book from expert psychologist Dr Emma Kavanagh, the potent impact of the psychopath effect is finally exposed. From friends to colleagues, partners to parents, the psychopaths among us are busily trying to alter our brains. Finally, we have a way to spot them to try to reverse their damage.
'Psychopathy only works if the environment allows it. And we are the environment.'
*****
'A fascinating blend of story and science - makes the study of psychopathy come alive. If you really want to know what a psychopath is, this book makes it real' Dr Ben Cave, author of What We Fear Most
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Orion Publishing Co
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Trade binding
Dimensions
Height: 165 mm
Width: 241 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Weight
606 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3996-3744-2 (9781399637442)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
approx. 06/2026
Seven Dials
€13.99
Not yet available
Persons
Dr Emma Kavanagh was born and raised in South Wales. She has a degree and PhD in psychology and, after leaving university, started her own business as a psychology consultant, specialising in human performance in extreme situations. For seven years she provided training and consultation for police forces and NATO and military personnel throughout the UK and Europe.