Fear factor

In response to "The Predator's Gaze" (SN: 12/9/06, p. 379), I write as a psychiatrist and a mother. My ex-husband is now in prison, and my son likely carries the genes of sociopathy. The quality of fearlessness mentioned in the article seems to be one of the temperamental traits most associated with the development of sociopathy. Fear would seem necessary for the development of guilt and therefore conscience, but fearless children can develop a conscience by way of empathy.

LIANE J. LEEDOM, FAIRFIELD, CONN.

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