There is no specific, scientifically recognized term for the eyes of individuals diagnosed with psychopathy. However, in various traditional or folk beliefs, certain eye appearances are sometimes anecdotally associated with personality traits. One such concept, mentioned in the provided reference, is Sanpaku eyes.
While the term Sanpaku is sometimes discussed in popular culture in relation to perceived personality or even instability, it is crucial to understand that this concept is not used in clinical psychology or psychiatry and has no scientific basis for diagnosing psychopathy. Psychopathy is a complex psychological construct defined by specific behavioral and personality traits, not physical characteristics like eye shape or the visibility of the sclera.
Understanding Sanpaku Eyes
The concept of Sanpaku (三白) originates from traditional East Asian face reading, also known as physiognomy.
As per the provided reference:
Sanpaku, which means “three whites,” is one element of face reading. If you look at your own eyes in a mirror, you'll see the whites (sclera) on either side of each iris, of course. But if you also see white above or below the iris, your eyes are considered sanpaku — they have three whites.
This means that in Sanpaku eyes, the white part (sclera) of the eye is visible on three sides of the iris—either below the iris (Inferior Sanpaku) or above the iris (Superior Sanpaku), in addition to the sides.
Sanpaku Eye Definition Summary
| Term | Meaning from Reference | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sanpaku | “three whites” | Sclera visible on the sides of the iris plus either above or below it. |
| Sclera | The whites of the eye | The white part surrounding the iris. |
| Iris | The colored part of the eye | The central, colored portion of the eye. |
Historically, Inferior Sanpaku (white visible below the iris) was sometimes associated with physical danger or instability, while Superior Sanpaku (white visible above the iris) was linked to mental or psychological instability, including anger, violence, or psychosis in some interpretations.
Sanpaku vs. Psychopathy: A Clear Distinction
It is vital to differentiate the traditional concept of Sanpaku from the clinical understanding of psychopathy.
- Sanpaku: A term from traditional East Asian face reading describing a specific physical appearance of the eye (visible sclera on three sides of the iris). Its interpretations are based on folklore and traditional beliefs.
- Psychopathy: A term used in clinical psychology and forensic psychiatry to describe a personality disorder characterized by traits such as persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, boldness, dominance, and manipulativeness.
There is absolutely no scientific evidence or basis in modern medicine or psychology to suggest that eye characteristics like Sanpaku are related to psychopathy. Psychopathy is diagnosed based on behavioral assessments and psychological evaluations, not physical appearance.
Key Takeaways:
- There is no specific clinical or scientific name for the eyes of psychopaths.
- Sanpaku is a term from traditional face reading referring to eyes where the white (sclera) is visible on three sides of the iris.
- While Sanpaku has been linked to various traits in folklore, these links are not supported by science.
- Eye appearance is not a factor in the diagnosis of psychopathy.
Understanding the distinction between traditional beliefs like Sanpaku and clinical psychological conditions like psychopathy is important to avoid misinformation and stigma.
