When most of us think of a “psychopath,” we imagine a villain in a thriller movie. But in real life, many psychopaths are hiding in plain sight—often thriving in specific careers. According to new psychological research published in 2024 by the Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, some professions naturally attract more people with psychopathic traits. Read on 10 Professions with the Most Psychopaths According to 2024 Research.
Psychopaths aren’t always violent or criminal. They can be charming, intelligent, and even successful. The key traits are lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and a strong drive for power and control. Some jobs—due to their structure or culture—can reward exactly those traits.
10 Professions with the Most Psychopaths According to 2024 Research
Here’s a fresh look at the top 10 professions that attract the most psychopaths in 2024, based on recent data and psychological analysis.
1. Trend-Setting Social Media Influencers
In a surprising twist, 2024 research shows that digital influencers rank high in psychopathy traits. Why? The influencer space rewards charisma, manipulation of appearance, and attention-seeking behavior. Many influencers craft a highly curated version of their lives, which can appeal to those with low empathy and a high need for control and admiration.
The fast-paced environment, lack of accountability, and parasocial relationships also allow narcissistic and psychopathic traits to flourish.
2. Venture Capital Analysts and Startup Scouts
These aren’t the typical Wall Street bankers. Venture capital analysts are known for hunting the next unicorn startup—and they need to be ruthlessly analytical, risk-tolerant, and emotionally detached. Psychopaths are naturally drawn to environments where big risks, fast decisions, and power dynamics define the culture.
2024’s findings show many VC professionals score high on the “boldness” and “cold-heartedness” spectrum of psychopathy.
3. Reality TV Producers
Behind every dramatic reality show is a team pulling the strings. Reality TV producers are responsible for creating tension, scripting conflicts, and choosing which stories to amplify—all of which reward manipulation and emotional detachment.
Researchers now consider this profession a modern playground for high-functioning psychopaths, who enjoy orchestrating high-stakes human behavior without emotional fallout.
4. High-End Divorce Attorneys
While lawyers often appear on psychopathy lists, 2024 research highlights divorce attorneys for the ultra-wealthy as a new hotspot. These professionals often navigate messy power struggles, child custody battles, and million-dollar settlements.
What sets them apart? Their work demands strategic manipulation, emotional resilience, and zero personal attachment to the outcome. Traits common in psychopathy.
5. Competitive Esports Coaches
Esports might seem far removed from the traditional workplace, but the psychological stakes are sky-high. Esports coaches operate under extreme pressure to produce wins, often managing very young players in highly stressful situations.
2024 data shows that top-tier coaches in competitive gaming are more likely to exhibit dominant, controlling, and emotionally detached behaviors, aligning closely with psychopathic tendencies.
6. Luxury Real Estate Agents in Competitive Markets
These aren’t your everyday realtors. High-end real estate agents in cities like New York, Dubai, and London are increasingly found to exhibit manipulative charm and calculated social maneuvering.
A 2024 behavioral survey revealed that many of these agents use subtle forms of deception to close deals, often without remorse. Their ability to sell emotion while remaining emotionally detached is key.
7. Cult Brand Marketing Executives
These are the people behind obsessive fanbases and viral products. Marketers who build cult-like loyalty (think tech wearables, beauty products, or alternative wellness) are often masters of psychological persuasion.
The 2024 study showed that brand evangelists and strategic marketing leaders often display traits like strategic lying, charisma without conscience, and a high tolerance for using fear, urgency, or FOMO (fear of missing out) to drive behavior.
8. Professional Competitive Poker Players
Poker is all about reading others while hiding your own intentions. It’s no surprise that 2024 research links professional poker with elevated psychopathy scores—especially among players in high-stakes tournaments.
The ability to lie convincingly, make risk-heavy decisions without regret, and emotionally manipulate opponents makes poker a natural fit for psychopathic traits.
9. Urban Crisis Negotiators
One of the more surprising entries, crisis negotiators in major metropolitan police departments are trained to remain completely calm, detached, and persuasive in intense emotional scenarios.
The study noted that while most of these professionals are ethical, the role’s demands for emotional distance, calculated thinking, and high-stakes manipulation mean those with psychopathic tendencies can thrive in the role—especially in high-pressure regions.
10. Celebrity Personal Managers
These behind-the-scenes power players are responsible for managing every part of a celebrity’s life—from PR disasters to contract negotiations. In 2024, researchers found that celebrity handlers often display Machiavellian behavior, using influence, deception, and emotional control to protect their clients (and themselves).
They can lie smoothly, make ruthless decisions, and juggle power plays, all without blinking. It’s a role tailor-made for high-functioning psychopaths.
What This Means for Women Navigating These Careers
Many women thrive in these roles without any psychopathic traits. But it’s important to understand the emotional landscape of these professions. If you’re working in a field that rewards charm, control, and emotional detachment, be mindful of the red flags—not just in others, but also in workplace culture.
Understanding these patterns can empower you to set healthy boundaries, avoid manipulation, and maintain empathyin environments where it’s often undervalued.
Conclusion 10 Professions with the Most Psychopaths According to 2024 Research
Psychopaths don’t always wear masks. Sometimes, they wear power suits, designer sneakers, or even a smile. In 2024, understanding where they thrive isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness.
Join us on this journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and celebration! Here’s to strong women – may we know them, may we be them, may we inspire them!
With love and inspiration,
Women on Topp Magazine
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