In films and television series, dangerous characters are often portrayed with a cold and empty stare.
The eyes are used as a quick signal to the audience that a character is frightening or lacks empathy. As a result, the idea of a so-called “psychopathic stare” has become widespread.
According to the health publication Verywell Mind, popular culture has helped create the belief that a psychopath can be identified by their eyes alone.
For example, many people associate an intense or staring gaze with a dangerous personality.
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However, this perception is largely based on fiction and stereotypical ideas.
Eyes can reveal emotions and health
Although eyes cannot reveal a person’s personality, they can still say something about emotions and physical condition.
Small changes in the eye muscles and gaze can indicate whether a person is happy, angry, or worried.
Eyes may also provide signs of health. Yellowish eyes can be associated with liver problems, while red eyes may be caused by fatigue, allergies, or stress.
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Pupils can also change size if a person is affected by alcohol or other substances.
How people use eye contact also depends on culture.
In some Asian cultures, limited eye contact may be a sign of respect toward elders or authority figures, according to a study published in PLOS One.
Research provides a different answer
When psychologists assess psychopathy, they do not look at the eyes alone. Instead, they analyze a person’s behavior and personality over time.
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The evaluation can, among other methods, be carried out using tools such as the Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised.
Research also shows that there is very little evidence of a connection between eye behavior and psychopathic traits, according to a study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
Although the eyes can reveal much about emotions and health, they cannot determine whether a person is a psychopath.
Sources: Verywell Mind, PLOS One, and Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.