05-06-2015, 02:26 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-06-2015, 02:39 PM by Lunarscope.)
What Makes Jodi Arias Tick?
By Mark Olshaker On May 23, 2013
After my post earlier this week comparing the trials of Amanda Knox, Casey Anthony and Jodi Arias, one of our readers and friends, writer Carolyn Quinn, asked if we could provide a full assessment of Ms. Arias, who is currently awaiting an Arizona jury’s verdict on whether she should be executed or imprisoned for life for the brutal murder of her former lover Travis Alexander.
While it is risky to attempt a full psychological assessment of anyone from afar, there are several things we can say with reasonable certainty based on her established behavior.
Let’s take the broad definition first. Arias is what we have long referred to as a sociopath, or sometimes a psychopath. DSM-IV, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, replaced the term for this condition with “anti-social personality disorder,” though we think that sounds a bit mild for what it represents.
Whatever you call it, it is characterized by “a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood.” Sociopathy should not be confused with psychosis, which implies some degree of loss of contact with reality.
To complicate things a bit further, Arias can also be described by another DSM term: “borderline personality,” so called because it is thought to be on the borderline between neurosis and psychosis. This makes sense when we consider that all mental disorders run somewhere along a continuum. For example, someone who is always alert for people out to get him may have few or no other misperceptions of reality, whereas a paranoid schizophrenic may hallucinate and hear voices and very definitely qualify as a full-fledged psychotic.
Someone like Arias, on the other hand, certainly understands reality, and more to the point, understands the distinction between right and wrong. She just doesn’t care. This is what we often call a “character disorder.”
So what does all of this actually mean? Well, the easiest way to summarize what is admittedly a fairly complex subject, is to enumerate some of the characteristics we would expect to see.
The first is narcissism. Again, this trait will lie along a continuum, but in extreme instances like this one, it manifests as a total involvement with self to the exclusion of consideration for others. This goes hand-in-hand with a total disregard for the truth. For these types, truth is a commodity rather than an absolute; that is, it is a tool to achieve an end. And if that end is better served with a lie, that is a completely acceptable “moral” choice.
That is why it was so easy for Arias to go from a total lie about even being at the murder scene to eventually conceding she had committed the murder when confronted with overwhelming evidence. But even then, she had to lie about motive, saying it was self-defense after Alexander abused her. She had to change her story yet again to cover the fact that she had shot him in the head and stabbed him many times while he was defenseless in the shower.
Even during her extensive trial testimony, she was in a continual mode of having to say essentially, “I know I lied in the past, but I’m telling the truth now,” updating this statement as necessary.
I put “moral” in quotes in an earlier paragraph because that leads to the second characteristic, which is that there is no morality for this individual other than what is best for her. Other people have no rights.
A third characteristic is actually a modus operandi, and that is manipulation. These people are very good at manipulating those around them to achieve their own ends. It is therefore wholly understandable that Arias decided to take the stand in her own defense. Based on her previous experiences, she probably had perfect confidence in her ability to manipulate the prosecutor and jury to her own ends. Then, in the sentencing phase, she was able to jump smoothly from announcing to the media that she wanted to die, only to beg the jury to spare her life a few days later.
And a fourth – a perfect fit with what has preceded – is a projection onto others for all of their own faults and flaws. She killed Travis because of what he was doing to her, not Jodi’s own rage over being dumped. She wanted to be spared the death penalty not for herself, but because of what it would do to her family. She further played on the jury’s sympathy by enumerating all of the things she wouldn’t be able to do now, like get married, have a baby or even attend her sister’s wedding, as if it was the jury’s fault and its members therefore had to “make it up to her” by sparing her life.
So, finally, is Jodi Arias sorry? You bet she is. She’s sorry she got caught and blamed and that this is going to mess up the rest of her life. Because in the world of Jodi Arias and her like, that is all that matters.
geebee2 says: August 2, 2013
Longwinded nonsense delegated!
Merle Rideout says: July 26, 2013
You make interesting points, Mark. A social worker friend of mine has a different take on neurotic/psychotic/borderline/sociopath divisions.
She says a neurotic is versed in reality but responds to real circumstances inappropriately, obsessive-compulsive disorder an extreme example.
A psychotic is delusional. Much of his behavior is based in a completely incorrect perception of people and events many of which may not exist.
The borderline personality is one that behaves impulsively with motives very hard for people unfamiliar with their specific histories to understand.
A sociopath has no delusions but neither has he any conscience and feels no empathy toward others.
My friend’s belief is that all of these problems are a result of experiences that happened to the sufferers at some time in their lives. She does not think a tumor or an injury can cause these problem but she concedes that a tumor or an injury can make a problem that already exist worse.
@ Although thoroughly explained by author and in the comment, the acting chameleon was omitted.
I believer some of every default above can be found in Jodi, I just stick with demented.
Also infantile brain damage or brain birth defect are both omitted, whereas I agree with progression' I believe Jodi has brain stem issues, she is miswired.
-------------------------------------------------------------
2 Cassandra replies' unedited below, I take these paragraphs starting from her as a source.
Jodi claiming RULE 11 is saying mentally incompetent, and reasoned her first Two Attorneys to both quit and have the public defender office quit Jodi.
Court Minutes reveal Jodi was wanting IQ tested in timeframe just before forged letters.
Private practice Nurmi' joined the public defenders office to represent Jodi, then the Forged letters had Willmott third chair and Victoria Washington's conflict with MM = released, and Nurmi asked for double compensation wanting to quit.
Under Federal mandate JSS has 3 days from this Monday to assign Jodi representation, she also has Willmott working until June first' So Jodi retains assigned council.
All said because' if PD office again refuses to represent Jodi' JSS must assign a expsnsive private practice appellate attorney, I believe Public Defender office is again refusing to represent Jodi.
A appeal or paper appeal is most often done by filings, seldom needing a courtroom' if a courtroom is used it's called "In Camera"!
Motion to JSS and Martinez, Martinez replies to JSS, Jodi and appellate defense team, then Jodi team rebuttal, JSS uses a memorandum decision.
JSS cannot favor any issue before petitioning Arizona Appeals court 3 judge panel' so 4 judges must agree, the PCR appeal denial can only advance to 5 Judge Arizona Supreme Court then it is exhausted, USSC use requires all State appeals to be exausted. 3 out of 4 appeals are denied, even if accepted' fewer help and fewer yet require a In Camera hearing' a retrial would require Ninjas recreation into persons. Jodi has next to O chance of her appeal working but she has a extreme possibility of costing Arizona another 1/4 million for this one appeal, appeals are called 'real law' because courtroom is rarely used = Paper Appeal, accordingly appellate attorneys are of higher learning and charge more hourly' explaining higher retainers' example
Frederica Strumpff or the Jodi appelate attorney team that was posted on JMSP.
Note Casandra shared a cell with Jodi pretrial, I posted her entirely so as to respect' by not editing, I think she very mu h cushions her postings.
Casandra Collins
When Jodi Ann Arias was "Representing Herself" for a brief time in 2014 ~ Jodi Ann Arias was trying to manipulate and deceive Judge Sherry Stephens to order a Rule 11 Examination. Obviously, Judge Sherry Stephens NEVER fell for any of "The Stunts pulled by Jodi Ann Arias" in The Superior Court of Maricopa County! Even back then, Jodi Ann Arias wanted Her Attorneys to be Officially Removed as Counsel, and be assigned to The Maricopa County Public Defender's Office to have Defense Attorney Federica Strumpff assigned to Her Case! Jodi Ann Arias is Extremely Manipulative, Extremely Calculative, Extremely Deceitful, and Extremely Intelligent! Criminal Defense Attorney Frederica Strumpff is (1) of The Leading Criminal Defense Attorneys in The State of Arizona & in This Nation that is an EXPERT IN MENTAL HEALTH LAWS! Criminal Defense Attorney at Law Federica Strumpff only embarasses other attorneys or puts to shame other attorneys; such as, Willmott & Nurmi! I feel deeply sorry for The Alexander Family! Justice & Victory for Mr. Travis Alexander! Justice & Victory for The Alexander Family!
Casandra Collins
Jodi Ann Arias always wanted Maricopa County Public Defender - Defense Attorney Frederica Strumpff to be on Her Criminal Case! Criminal Defense Attorney Frederica Strumpff is (1) of The Leading Criminal Defense Attorneys in The State of Arizona & in This Nation that is an EXPERT IN MENTAL HEALTH LAWS! Looks Like! Jodi Ann Arias got "Her Wish!" I feel deeply sorry for The Alexander Family!!! Justice & Victory for Mr. Travis Alexander! Justice & Victory for The Alexander Family!
By Mark Olshaker On May 23, 2013
After my post earlier this week comparing the trials of Amanda Knox, Casey Anthony and Jodi Arias, one of our readers and friends, writer Carolyn Quinn, asked if we could provide a full assessment of Ms. Arias, who is currently awaiting an Arizona jury’s verdict on whether she should be executed or imprisoned for life for the brutal murder of her former lover Travis Alexander.
While it is risky to attempt a full psychological assessment of anyone from afar, there are several things we can say with reasonable certainty based on her established behavior.
Let’s take the broad definition first. Arias is what we have long referred to as a sociopath, or sometimes a psychopath. DSM-IV, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, replaced the term for this condition with “anti-social personality disorder,” though we think that sounds a bit mild for what it represents.
Whatever you call it, it is characterized by “a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood.” Sociopathy should not be confused with psychosis, which implies some degree of loss of contact with reality.
To complicate things a bit further, Arias can also be described by another DSM term: “borderline personality,” so called because it is thought to be on the borderline between neurosis and psychosis. This makes sense when we consider that all mental disorders run somewhere along a continuum. For example, someone who is always alert for people out to get him may have few or no other misperceptions of reality, whereas a paranoid schizophrenic may hallucinate and hear voices and very definitely qualify as a full-fledged psychotic.
Someone like Arias, on the other hand, certainly understands reality, and more to the point, understands the distinction between right and wrong. She just doesn’t care. This is what we often call a “character disorder.”
So what does all of this actually mean? Well, the easiest way to summarize what is admittedly a fairly complex subject, is to enumerate some of the characteristics we would expect to see.
The first is narcissism. Again, this trait will lie along a continuum, but in extreme instances like this one, it manifests as a total involvement with self to the exclusion of consideration for others. This goes hand-in-hand with a total disregard for the truth. For these types, truth is a commodity rather than an absolute; that is, it is a tool to achieve an end. And if that end is better served with a lie, that is a completely acceptable “moral” choice.
That is why it was so easy for Arias to go from a total lie about even being at the murder scene to eventually conceding she had committed the murder when confronted with overwhelming evidence. But even then, she had to lie about motive, saying it was self-defense after Alexander abused her. She had to change her story yet again to cover the fact that she had shot him in the head and stabbed him many times while he was defenseless in the shower.
Even during her extensive trial testimony, she was in a continual mode of having to say essentially, “I know I lied in the past, but I’m telling the truth now,” updating this statement as necessary.
I put “moral” in quotes in an earlier paragraph because that leads to the second characteristic, which is that there is no morality for this individual other than what is best for her. Other people have no rights.
A third characteristic is actually a modus operandi, and that is manipulation. These people are very good at manipulating those around them to achieve their own ends. It is therefore wholly understandable that Arias decided to take the stand in her own defense. Based on her previous experiences, she probably had perfect confidence in her ability to manipulate the prosecutor and jury to her own ends. Then, in the sentencing phase, she was able to jump smoothly from announcing to the media that she wanted to die, only to beg the jury to spare her life a few days later.
And a fourth – a perfect fit with what has preceded – is a projection onto others for all of their own faults and flaws. She killed Travis because of what he was doing to her, not Jodi’s own rage over being dumped. She wanted to be spared the death penalty not for herself, but because of what it would do to her family. She further played on the jury’s sympathy by enumerating all of the things she wouldn’t be able to do now, like get married, have a baby or even attend her sister’s wedding, as if it was the jury’s fault and its members therefore had to “make it up to her” by sparing her life.
So, finally, is Jodi Arias sorry? You bet she is. She’s sorry she got caught and blamed and that this is going to mess up the rest of her life. Because in the world of Jodi Arias and her like, that is all that matters.
geebee2 says: August 2, 2013
Longwinded nonsense delegated!
Merle Rideout says: July 26, 2013
You make interesting points, Mark. A social worker friend of mine has a different take on neurotic/psychotic/borderline/sociopath divisions.
She says a neurotic is versed in reality but responds to real circumstances inappropriately, obsessive-compulsive disorder an extreme example.
A psychotic is delusional. Much of his behavior is based in a completely incorrect perception of people and events many of which may not exist.
The borderline personality is one that behaves impulsively with motives very hard for people unfamiliar with their specific histories to understand.
A sociopath has no delusions but neither has he any conscience and feels no empathy toward others.
My friend’s belief is that all of these problems are a result of experiences that happened to the sufferers at some time in their lives. She does not think a tumor or an injury can cause these problem but she concedes that a tumor or an injury can make a problem that already exist worse.
@ Although thoroughly explained by author and in the comment, the acting chameleon was omitted.
I believer some of every default above can be found in Jodi, I just stick with demented.
Also infantile brain damage or brain birth defect are both omitted, whereas I agree with progression' I believe Jodi has brain stem issues, she is miswired.
-------------------------------------------------------------
2 Cassandra replies' unedited below, I take these paragraphs starting from her as a source.
Jodi claiming RULE 11 is saying mentally incompetent, and reasoned her first Two Attorneys to both quit and have the public defender office quit Jodi.
Court Minutes reveal Jodi was wanting IQ tested in timeframe just before forged letters.
Private practice Nurmi' joined the public defenders office to represent Jodi, then the Forged letters had Willmott third chair and Victoria Washington's conflict with MM = released, and Nurmi asked for double compensation wanting to quit.
Under Federal mandate JSS has 3 days from this Monday to assign Jodi representation, she also has Willmott working until June first' So Jodi retains assigned council.
All said because' if PD office again refuses to represent Jodi' JSS must assign a expsnsive private practice appellate attorney, I believe Public Defender office is again refusing to represent Jodi.
A appeal or paper appeal is most often done by filings, seldom needing a courtroom' if a courtroom is used it's called "In Camera"!
Motion to JSS and Martinez, Martinez replies to JSS, Jodi and appellate defense team, then Jodi team rebuttal, JSS uses a memorandum decision.
JSS cannot favor any issue before petitioning Arizona Appeals court 3 judge panel' so 4 judges must agree, the PCR appeal denial can only advance to 5 Judge Arizona Supreme Court then it is exhausted, USSC use requires all State appeals to be exausted. 3 out of 4 appeals are denied, even if accepted' fewer help and fewer yet require a In Camera hearing' a retrial would require Ninjas recreation into persons. Jodi has next to O chance of her appeal working but she has a extreme possibility of costing Arizona another 1/4 million for this one appeal, appeals are called 'real law' because courtroom is rarely used = Paper Appeal, accordingly appellate attorneys are of higher learning and charge more hourly' explaining higher retainers' example
Frederica Strumpff or the Jodi appelate attorney team that was posted on JMSP.
Note Casandra shared a cell with Jodi pretrial, I posted her entirely so as to respect' by not editing, I think she very mu h cushions her postings.
Casandra Collins
When Jodi Ann Arias was "Representing Herself" for a brief time in 2014 ~ Jodi Ann Arias was trying to manipulate and deceive Judge Sherry Stephens to order a Rule 11 Examination. Obviously, Judge Sherry Stephens NEVER fell for any of "The Stunts pulled by Jodi Ann Arias" in The Superior Court of Maricopa County! Even back then, Jodi Ann Arias wanted Her Attorneys to be Officially Removed as Counsel, and be assigned to The Maricopa County Public Defender's Office to have Defense Attorney Federica Strumpff assigned to Her Case! Jodi Ann Arias is Extremely Manipulative, Extremely Calculative, Extremely Deceitful, and Extremely Intelligent! Criminal Defense Attorney Frederica Strumpff is (1) of The Leading Criminal Defense Attorneys in The State of Arizona & in This Nation that is an EXPERT IN MENTAL HEALTH LAWS! Criminal Defense Attorney at Law Federica Strumpff only embarasses other attorneys or puts to shame other attorneys; such as, Willmott & Nurmi! I feel deeply sorry for The Alexander Family! Justice & Victory for Mr. Travis Alexander! Justice & Victory for The Alexander Family!
Casandra Collins
Jodi Ann Arias always wanted Maricopa County Public Defender - Defense Attorney Frederica Strumpff to be on Her Criminal Case! Criminal Defense Attorney Frederica Strumpff is (1) of The Leading Criminal Defense Attorneys in The State of Arizona & in This Nation that is an EXPERT IN MENTAL HEALTH LAWS! Looks Like! Jodi Ann Arias got "Her Wish!" I feel deeply sorry for The Alexander Family!!! Justice & Victory for Mr. Travis Alexander! Justice & Victory for The Alexander Family!