When talking about those who have no respect for the rights and feelings of others, it is common to talk about words like “psychopathy” and “sociopathy.”
Now… are these two terms synonymous? The answer is not exactly, although it is a complex issue. Let’s explore it in this article, in which we will see How to differentiate between a psychopath and a sociopath.
The 4 keys to distinguish between a sociopath and a psychopath
The first thing to keep in mind is that both psychopathy and sociopathy are controversial concepts, in the sense that there is no scientific consensus (in Psychology and Psychiatry) about their definition.
The closest thing that has been done to conceptually delimiting them is to create the diagnostic categories of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Dissocial Personality Disorderbelonging to the DSM 5 and ICD 10 diagnostic manuals, respectively.
These two categories are very similar or almost indistinguishable when it comes to describing the symptoms of psychopathologies that they express in words, and it is usually understood that what they explain corresponds to psychopathy and sociopathy, although they do not completely overlap with these concepts ( in part, due to the lack of specificity of the latter).
Now, this does not mean that neither sociopaths nor psychopaths exist. Beyond the creation of diagnostic manuals, whose purpose is to portray psychological alterations in the most reliable and detailed way possible, psychologists and behavioral science researchers in general have been talking about psychopathy and sociopathy for decades. define sets of problematic or directly psychopathological traits. These are something like unofficial psychological constructs, which allow each person to get a rough idea about the behavior of certain individuals even if several loose ends are left untied.
As we have seen, both psychopathy and sociopathy are concepts associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder, which already reveals something about what they are: they are psychological alterations that are reflected in all areas of the individual’s life because its symptoms are integrated into its personality.
These symptoms have to do with a lack of empathy, contempt for legality and written and unwritten social norms, and the view of others as tools to achieve something.
From here, let’s see how to distinguish a psychopath from a sociopath.
1. The psychopath has more long-term vision
Although both psychopathy and sociopathy occur in individuals who generally give in to their impulses, Comparatively, the term “sociopath” is used in individuals with serious problems achieving long-term goals. and prioritize them ahead of your most immediate impulses. Thus, psychopaths are more calculating and have greater resources to “cover their tracks” by violating rules and persuading or seducing others to use them for their benefit.
2. The sociopath is one due to physical or mental health problems suffered at some point in his life
It is generally understood that psychopaths behave in an abnormal and harmful way due to genetic factors, especially; however, Sociopaths behave in a chaotic or hostile manner because of personal problems such as a traumatic childhood, a brain injury, etc.
3. The psychopath has a greater capacity for socialization
Since the psychopath is not a psychopath due to the fact that he has suffered an experience with disruptive power in his behavior, he has a greater capacity to direct all his actions towards a specific purpose, while The sociopath is more spontaneous and has a hard time predicting his own actions..
4. The sociopath has serious problems climbing socially
Sociopathy is associated with precariousness and lack of resources, while psychopathy is more transversal in this sense. In fact, several investigations suggest that some skilled, well-paid jobs give an advantage to those prone to psychopathy, by enhancing their tendency to compete and not empathize with others. That is to say, psychopathy does not always have to represent obstacles to prospering economically and socially.
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