Sociopaths and psychopaths – words we hear, easy to generalise and make assumptions about without much or any real knowledge to go on – BUT potentially negative pre-conclusions?
Both display challenging behaviours but differ significantly: sociopaths tend to be impulsive and struggle to form stable relationships due to their volatile nature, while psychopaths, known for their manipulative tendencies, can pose dangers due to a profound lack of empathy and remorse.
Again, this is a general description and one that needs to be substantially further investigated. I have just finished reading a ‘self-account’ by Patric Gagne – “Sociopath”, which helped me see the bigger picture. It seems a picture now largely ignored by professionals as they seek to lessen the categories and pull or sorts of behaviours into smaller baskets.
There are primary emotions inherent* in most people – anger fear, sadness, disgust, surprise, anticipation, trust and joy. Those not inherent being empathy, guilt, shame, remorse, jealousy even love -these are seen as social emotions. It is believed that both Sociopath and psychopaths struggle to connect with these social emotions. The emotional learning ability of social emotions that comes about in family situations.
* Inherent – existing in something, someone as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute
Why am I writing about this, I guess because as I read Patric’s book, I recognised people I know, attributes to varying degrees of them, employers and employees from my business life and yes, me.
How it is easy to come to the viewpoint of others without taking into account the fact that we are all different and what comes easily to one person is difficult for others? That dammed propensity to judge!
Not that we should all become psychoanalysts but that we should at least open our eyes, ears, minds and hearts and look to come on board with the way others act and think. To be inclusive and seek to broaden our knowledge and viewpoints – these people are not inherently bad people!
One summary of the book – chronicles how she tried to live a mostly non-violent life while trying to fight urges and pressures as she becomes more and more aware of just how different she feels from everyone else.
Another review – https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/books/review-sociopath-patric-gagne-19278624
It is worth the time to read this review- especially if you have a member of your family or of your association who exhibits behaviours that seem threatening or just different – maybe they are just wired differently and can find ways to settle themselves if you also find ways to go forward without of judgment.
Life is hard enough hey?
Some info from the web –
While it’s common to think of sociopaths and psychopaths as being inherently dangerous, this is more a construct of a TV drama than a true reflection of the disorder. Violence, while certainly possible, is not an inherent characteristic of either sociopathy or psychopathy.19 Sept 2024
Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes called sociopathy, is a mental health condition in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others.24 Feb 202
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition that can affect the way you think and interact with others and lead you to: Manipulate or deceive people. Exploit or take advantage of someone else for your own benefit. Disregard the law or the rights of other people
But antisocial personality disorder is one of the most difficult types of personality disorders to treat. A person with antisocial personality disorder may also be reluctant to seek treatment and may only start therapy when ordered to do so by a court.
What percentage of the population are psychopaths or sociopaths?
About 1.2% of U.S. adult men and 0.3% to 0.7% of U.S. adult women are considered to have clinically significant levels of psychopathic traits. Those numbers rise exponentially in prison, where 15% to 25% of inmates show these characteristics
Technically, what most people refer to as a sociopath is really an antisocial personality disorder.
Can a psychopath be a good person?
But not all psychopaths are violent. Some are even considered good human beings. Studies have found there are “successful psychopaths” who are more likely to be promoted to leadership positions and less likely to serve time behind bars.17 June 2024
Are psychopaths born or made?
Although both biological and environmental factors play a role in the development of psychopathy and sociopathy, it is generally agreed that psychopathy is chiefly a genetic or inherited condition, notably related to the underdevelopment of parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and impulse control. 21 November 2024
It is believed that psychopathy is largely the result of “nature” (genetics) while sociopathy is more likely the result of “nurture” (environment). Psychopathy is related to a physiological defect that results in the underdevelopment of the part of the brain responsible for impulse control and emotions. 22 Jan 2014