One sign you can spot during Christmas dinner that could indicate family member is a psychopath

Sitting down with all the family is the highlight of many people's Christmas, but it could be time to look more closely at those in your inner circle.

One specific trait has been linked to an increased level of psychopathy and it wouldn't be difficult to spot while tucking into your Christmas dinner.

While the word 'psychopath' is often associated with notorious figures like Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer, defining the word is not as straightforward as many presume and many people may demonstrate traits of psychopathy.

What is a psychopath?

All people considered to be psychopaths are believed to suffer from a severe form of antisocial personality disorder. The NHS explains this as a 'particularly challenging type of personality disorder' that can be 'characterised by impulsive, irresponsible and often criminal behaviour.'

The NHS further explains: “Someone with antisocial personality disorder will typically be manipulative, deceitful and reckless, and will not care for other people’s feelings.”

Someone with the disorder may manipulate, violate or exploit other people without any concern or regret about their feelings. They may also experience anger control issues and place blame on others for their own problems.

To sum it up, they are largely unpleasant.

The study suggests head movements could be key (Getty Stock Images)

The one major sign

There is a unique way to identify a psychopath through one specific action, and almost anyone can pick it out if you search hard enough.

A study that was published in the 200th Personality and Individual Difference journal in 2024 suggested there was one physical sign that could indicate someone is a psychopath.

Apparently, the one sign to look out for is to do with head movements.

The study's authors found that people with the condition move their heads less when speaking to those with lower levels of psychopathy, and it was discovered that this trait was common in males with antisocial personality disorder.

However, it was also found to be just as common in women too.

As stated previously by IFLScience: “Prior work has identified a number of surprising tell-tale signs in the body language of psychopaths.”

Men with high levels of psychopathy also use more hand gestures than those with lower scores, according to the study, and short bursts of blinking have also been found in those with higher levels.

However, as expected, there are a number of other signs linked to psychopathy that can be spotted in adults.

What are other signs of psychopathy?

• Care-free responses to others’ suffering or distress
• Does not show remorse after hurting others or breaking rules
• Pathologically lies
• Manipulates people to get what they want
• Often engages in risky or dangerous activities
• Tends not to plan ahead, leaves things until the last minute
• Fails to keep promises or follow through with plans as they are irresponsible
• Superficially charming
• Doesn’t seem to care about performance at school or work
• Frequently brags
• Struggles to maintain relationships, such as friendships and romantic relationships
• Possibly engages in violent or illegal behaviour

There are plenty of other reasons why people choose to be violent or part-take in illegal/criminal activities and simply displaying a couple of these traits doesn't mean your family member is definitely a psychopath.

So, bear that in mind this Christmas!