Psychology commentary on Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged victims and perpetrators

James PaTTERSON “Antisocial psychopaths don’t have brakes at all.” Dr. Salter has never met Epstein, but she’s followed his case closely and finds him a familiar type. She’s especially struck by the singular nature of the relationship between powerful, wealthy men and vulnerable, underage women. “(The men] are more impressive to a fourteen-year-old [girl] than to, say, an adult young woman who is self-supporting and feels more sure of herself,” she explains. “They are attracted to what they call freshness— barely bud- ding sexuality and lack of sexual experience. The difference between them and their victims feeds their ego. “Great wealth and access are generally factors that make men feel they are entitled to whomever and whatever they want. Some have narcissistic personalities with inflated self-images. And of course, great wealth and status make such men think they can get away with it. Too often, they’re right.” On the other hand, Dr. Salter believes that certain condi- tions, such as the ones exhibited by Jeffrey Epstein, might be an inborn character trait. Personality can be influenced, sometimes quite heavily, by genetics. “Virtually no one believes anymore that humans are born a © totally blank slate,” she explains. “We arrive with temperamental and personality variations ~ that, of course, the environment can often, but not always, influ- ~ ence. We arrive with baggage.” Is Epstein a born psychopath, then? “Psychopathy is the umbrella term for individuals who do not nat- have a conscience. Pyschopaths are often narcissistic, but cissists are often not psychopathic. Some individuals who prey” 228 on young girls delude ther will not harm the child. Tt medicated it with thinking pathic and simply don’t car can't say anything about E| but narcissism and psychop; look at concerning anyone bescent individuals but wh teens. “Psychopaths are often st seekers who are bored if not manipulate. They do not estz “They are callous and ri don’t feel bad about harming “Rules don’t apply to th They are sure they won't get HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_022125