Which of the following would most likely be a characteristic of a criminal personality, according to Yochelson and Samenow?

Yochelson and Samenow's approach to understanding criminal behavior emphasizes the distinct cognitive processes and personality traits associated with individuals who engage in criminal acts. A fundamental characteristic of a criminal personality, according to their research, is amorality. This trait reflects a lack of concern for moral values and a disregard for the rights and feelings of others.

Individuals exhibiting amorality tend to operate outside the conventional moral framework, allowing them to justify their actions, no matter how harmful. This sense of detachment from societal norms plays a crucial role in facilitating criminal behavior, as it allows individuals to rationalize their actions without the hindrance of guilt or empathy that typically influences ethical decision-making.

In contrast, traits such as high empathy for others, intense self-control, and strong family ties would not align with the characteristics of a criminal personality as proposed by Yochelson and Samenow. High empathy might inhibit criminal behavior, self-control is often associated with law-abiding individuals, and strong family ties generally foster pro-social behavior rather than criminal tendencies. Thus, amorality stands out as the defining characteristic of a criminal personality in this context.