What Do the Eyes of a Psychopath Really Look Like?

What are “psycho eyes”?

“Psycho eyes” usually refer to a cold, empty, and prolonged stare. Saying someone has “psycho eyes” has very little to do with the size, shape, and color of them. Instead, “psycho eyes” are typically used to describe a cold, distant, blank, and/or prolonged stare without blinking. This association between psychopathy and unnerving gazes is largely based in pop culture and media, not necessarily backed by scientific evidence. Psychopaths are often portrayed as staring at others in this bizarre, detached way, signaling a lack of empathy at best and an intention to harm at worst. Many famous fictional psychopaths have made the empty, emotionless stare a part of their character, like Patrick Batemen in American Psycho. Someone staring too intensely can also be associated with having “psycho eyes,” along with people who shift their eyes frequently during conversation.

The Science Behind “Psycho Eyes”

“Psycho eyes” don’t make a psychopath, but pupils may offer certain clues. Although having an unsettling, intense stare doesn’t constitute a psychopath, recent research shows that the pupils may reveal more about a person’s potentially cruel intentions than we originally thought. A 2018 study conducted by the Cardiff and Swansea University concluded that criminals classified as psychopathic had pupils that did not dilate when shown disturbing images, although their pupils did dilate when shown pleasant images. This implies that it’s not that psychopaths feel no emotion, but that they are desensitized to disturbing or negative factors. Another study found that psychopaths are in fact less likely to make intense eye-contact, when speaking or listening. This might be explained by the fact that eye contact fosters connection, and psychopaths are innately inclined to avoid forging personal bonds with others.

Traits of a Psychopath

Lack of empathy This one of the main predictors of psychopathy, as psychopaths are virtually incapable of feeling or caring about what others feel, including sorrow, sympathy, or remorse. This is part of what allows them to treat others callously and cruelly, since they have little to no regard for their victims’ emotions.

Pathological lying Everyone lies, whether it be to get out of doing something or to avoid hurting a loved one’s feelings. However, this is not the same type of lying a psychopath does. Lying over and over again, seemingly without reason, hints at a pathology, or a psychological abnormality, which is often present in psychopaths. Being deceitful is certainly in a psychopath’s nature.

Outwardly charming Famed serial killer Ted Bundy might be one of the most well-known cases of a charming psychopath, although he’s definitely not along. Psychopaths can “mask” their true selves, often appearing charming, charismatic, and outgoing. However, this behavior typically comes to an end once they’ve gotten what they’ve wanted, and you might even be able to spot the switch.

Narcissistic Since psychopaths are unable to form real connections with other people, they consider no one except themselves. Psychopaths often have an inflated sense of self, firmly believing in their superiority above others. They will even go as far as demanding special treatment, and this high level of narcissism may be coupled with other pathological symptoms, like delusions of grandeur.

What are “Sanpaku” eyes?

“Sanpaku eyes” refers to eyes with three visible white parts. In Japanese face reading, the term “sanpaku” translates into “three whites,” and seeks to assign certain personality traits based on which white parts of the eye are visible. These white areas are called sclera and most people only have two white areas visible, on both sides of the iris. However, “sanpaku” specifically defines people with three visible sclera: the two side areas, plus one on top or one below the iris. There are two kinds of sanpaku: yin sanpaku eyes and yang sanpaku eyes. Yin sanpaku eyes have a visible white area underneath the iris, while yang sanpaku eyes have a visible white area above the iris. Those with yin sanpaku eyes are believed to lead lives marred by tragedy, while people with yang sanpaku eyes are considered to be more violent and aggressive. There is no scientific evidence that suggest any truth to these beliefs, and extra white around the eyes can be explained by certain eye conditions, sagging eyelids due to age, and surgery.

Final Takeaway

Don’t try to diagnose a psychopath based on their eyes. The pop culture idea of “psycho eyes” refers mainly to an emotionless, unsettling stare– but this quality alone doesn’t make someone a psychopath. While it’s natural to rely on visual and body language clues to uncover another person’s true intentions, someone who appears to have a “dead,” “distant,” or “soulless” stare does not constitute a psychopath by any means, so it’s best not to make assumptions. Moreover, certain conditions like, ADD, ADHD, and autism, can affect a person’s eye movements, so avoid assigning anyone unnecessary and likely inaccurate psychological diagnoses.