Synonyms
Definition
Lacking a sense of responsibility, disregard for obligations and consequences
Introduction
Irresponsibility can be characterized as a general unwillingness to take on responsibilities. Characteristics of irresponsibility are often reflected in an antisocial lifestyle, in which individuals consistently fail to meet familial, work, school, and/or financial obligations, and are unable or unwilling to follow through with promises and agreements. This attitude may manifest in various aspects of life, such as financial situations, work behavior, and relationships with family, friends, and business associates.
Irresponsibility and Psychopathology
Irresponsibility is one of the 16 defining characteristics of the psychopathy construct described by Cleckley (1941). Cleckley describes such a person as having “no sense of responsibility whatsoever (p. 368),” regardless of the urgency or importance of the issue at hand. This attitude...
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References
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Tsang, S. (2016). Irresponsibility. In: Zeigler-Hill, V., Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1084-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1084-1
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