1.Genetic factorsnAlthough no gene in the D.N.A. responsible for psychopathic behaviour exists, many researchers believe parents can pass psychopathy on to their children. Even if the parents are not psychopathic, they may have a genetic variation that causes psychopathy in their children.n2. Environmental risk factorsnMany environmental risk factors contribute to psychopathy in people, like:nSmoking, drinking, or excess stress during pregnancynBirth complicationsnNot receiving enough love and warmth from parents during childhoodn3. Differences in the brain structurenMany psychopaths have a deformed or abnormal brain structure. The amygdala in a brain is involved in empathetic behaviour, fearful encounters and social responsiveness. As a child, a person's amygdala might develop different from others, causing them to become a psychopath.