National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

Which behavior evidences a lack of empathy typically seen in Antisocial Personality Disorder?

1. Helping others in need

2. Feeling guilty for past actions

3. Justifying harmful actions towards others

4. Seeking validation from peers

The correct answer is: Justifying harmful actions towards others

In the context of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), a key characteristic is a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, which often manifests as a lack of empathy. Individuals with ASPD may justify or rationalize their harmful actions toward others, demonstrating an inability to understand or care about the feelings and experiences of those they harm. This behavior reflects a profound disconnect from the feelings of others, which is central to the definition of empathy. While helping others in need and feeling guilt would suggest an awareness of and concern for the emotions of others, those traits are generally not consistent with ASPD. Likewise, seeking validation from peers may indicate a desire for acceptance or approval but does not demonstrate the more self-serving rationale that characterizes the behavior of justifying harm. Thus, the act of justifying harmful actions aligns perfectly with the core symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder, illustrating an absence of empathy and conscience.