Understanding psychopathic traits can be confusing, especially with how often the term “psychopath” gets misused in everyday conversation. In a recent interview, Belgian content creator Loic De Marie spoke openly about scoring high on the PCL-R test, a psychological tool sometimes used by professionals to evaluate certain personality traits. His candid discussion offers insight into how these traits can influence someone’s emotions, behavior, and relationships—without sensationalizing the topic.
This article explores what De Marie says about his own experiences, what psychopathy actually means in a clinical context, and how he has chosen to use this self-knowledge in his work.
What the PCL-R Actually Measures
The Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R) is a tool used by trained professionals to evaluate traits associated with psychopathy.
According to the American Psychological Association and research summaries published by the NIH (National Institutes of Health), the checklist examines patterns like:
- Limited emotional response
- Impulsivity
- Manipulative behavior
- Difficulty understanding consequences
Importantly, scoring high on the PCL-R does not automatically mean someone is dangerous. As the Cleveland Clinic notes, psychopathy-related traits exist on a spectrum, and not everyone with these traits engages in harmful behavior.
What Loic De Marie Shared About His Experience
During an appearance on the People Are Deep podcast, De Marie described his personal experiences with traits he relates to his PCL-R score. These details come directly from his own account in the interview.
De Marie opened up about how his condition has impacted him (YouTube/People Are Deep)
1. Emotional Detachment and Regret
He says that one of the earliest signs he noticed was an absence of regret:
“No matter what I’ve done… I don’t regret anything.”
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This type of emotional detachment is one of the characteristics that researchers, including those at Harvard Health, associate with psychopathic traits—but only when assessed by professionals.
2. Impulsive Choices
De Marie also noted that impulsive behavior affected parts of his life when he was younger. Instead of thinking about consequences, he explained that he acted on instinct, often without planning ahead.
Studies published by the National Library of Medicine suggest that impulsivity is common among individuals with certain antisocial or psychopathic tendencies, though it varies widely person to person.
3. How He Viewed Other People
In the interview, he shared that he once tended to underestimate others, assuming they were easy to influence. He described these as thought patterns he recognized later in life.
He explained this not to excuse past behavior but to illustrate how these traits felt from his perspective growing up.
Turning Self-Awareness Into a Tool for Others
Interestingly, De Marie said his understanding of manipulation has influenced his work today. Rather than using these behaviors negatively, he now focuses on helping people identify manipulative patterns so they can protect themselves.
He described it as a “contract” with his clients—using insight responsibly rather than harmfully.
Being a psychopath can mean someone doesn’t care about how their actions affect others (Richard Drury/Getty)
This approach mirrors what many behavioral experts advocate: using self-awareness to encourage healthier, more ethical communication. Research from the APA emphasizes that understanding these traits can sometimes help individuals manage them more constructively.
Why Conversations About Psychopathy Need Care
Because psychopathy is often portrayed in extreme or sensational ways, it helps to ground the topic in facts:
- Psychopathy is not a formal medical diagnosis but rather a cluster of personality traits.
- Many people with high scores on psychopathy assessments do not engage in violence.
- Personality traits exist on a spectrum, and only a trained professional can evaluate them accurately.
- Discussions about individuals should rely on their own statements or verified research.
If you’re curious about how personality traits influence behavior, articles like this analysis of emotional intelligence or our exploration of complex human behavior offer helpful context. You might also enjoy this breakdown of unusual psychological phenomena or a feature on how people change their mindset.
Understanding Psychopathic Traits in a Healthy, Non-Stigmatizing Way
Experts—from the World Health Organization to university psychology departments—stress the importance of avoiding stigma. Traits associated with psychopathy:
- Do not define a person’s entire identity
- Can be managed with awareness and support
- Vary greatly between individuals
De Marie’s story highlights one perspective from someone who says they score high on psychopathic traits. His willingness to talk about his experiences helps make a complex topic more relatable and understandable.
Conclusion
Loic De Marie’s interview offers a rare, first-person look into how someone experiences psychopathic traits, how those traits affected his life, and how he has chosen to use that self-knowledge to help others recognize manipulative behaviors. His story also underscores why it’s so important to discuss psychopathy responsibly, relying on evidence-based research and avoiding the stereotypes that often surround the topic.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, psychological, or medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to mental health or behavioral concerns.
