Study Ranks the States With the Most Psychopaths. Do You Live in the Top 10? Warning: This information may not have a positive effect on your Zillow estimate.
By Dan Bova
Your daily work commute may convince you that you are surrounded by psychopaths, and according to a research paper written by Ryan Murphy, a research assistant professor at Southern Methodist University, you just might be! It all depends on where you live.
Related: How to Avoid Hiring a Psychopath
Murphy's study, Psychopathy by U.S. State, cross-examined levels of what he defines as Big Five personality traits: extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience in each state. From this data, he was able to rank each of the 48 contiguous states, as well as the District of Columbia, by its level of psychopathy. (You'll never guess who scores no. 1!) But don't get too excited if your home is located at the bottom of the psycho pile, Murphy says his numbers are just estimates.
1. Washington, D.C.
2. Connecticut
3. California
4. New Jersey
5. New York and Wyoming (Tie)
7. Maine
8. Wisconsin
9. Nevada
10. Illinois
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