The 5 differences between psychopathy and sociopathy

We review the aspects that serve to differentiate psychopathy and sociopathy.

Most experts in the areas of psychology, psychiatry and criminology conceive that Antisocial Personality Disorder is a heterogeneous category, although the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, American Psychiatric Association, 1994) considers it as a group with a unique identity.

In his book, David Lykken (1994) argues that the subjects composing this group "are characterized by a persistent predisposition toward antisocial behavior" (p. 45). This already indicates that the concept of psychopath may become confused or overlap with that of sociopath. For this reason, in this article we will focus on seeing what are the differences between psychopathy and sociopathy..

Antisocial Personality Disorder, Psychopathy and Sociopathy

In order to establish the differences between psychopathy y sociopathywe will proceed to examine both cases. It could be said, although not officially recognized, that these are two of the three major categories into which the Antisocial Personality Disorder bifurcates.

Psychopathy

Psychopathy is expressed by innate antisocial tendencies due to biological, quantitative differences in temperament or qualitative differences in the brain function of the sufferer, which hinder the socialization of this type of individuals when they are growing up.

• For a deeper analysis of psychopathy, we invite you to read the article, "Psychopathy: what happens in the mind of the psychopath?"

Sociopathy

Sociopathy occurs mainly in individuals with a normal temperament, but who do not have acquired socializing attributes as a consequence of negligent and incompetent upbringing by the main socializing agents: parents. and incompetent upbringing by the main agents of socialization: parents. Therefore, in their dynamics of interaction with other people, they can cause them harm with relative ease, as well as trespass fundamental rules for coexistence almost without realizing it.

The main differences between psychopathy and sociopathy

So how can we distinguish between the concepts of sociopathy and psychopathy? Let's look at their differences in brief below.

1. The psychopath is able to function well socially

Psychopaths are capable of knowing and being aware of the basic rules of socialization, and can even master patterns of social behavior.They can even master behavior patterns considered charismatic. On the other hand, sociopaths have serious difficulties to be accepted, because even if they try, they can rarely be charming, kind, seductive...

2. Psychopathy is characterized by a lack of empathy

The greater a person's tendency to psychopathy, the lower his or her predisposition to empathize. Therefore, in cases of extreme psychopathy, these people see others as mere tools to achieve their ends.

In contrast, sociopaths may be able to empathize, but because of their neglectful upbringing, they have difficulty "connecting" with others or predicting the type of behaviors that will cause discomfort in others.

3. Sociopaths are more emotionally unstable.

Both psychopaths and sociopaths tend to be impulsive and have trouble suppressing their desire to satisfy their immediate needs. However, this tendency is more pronounced in sociopaths, who find it difficult to channel their emotions by planning an outlet for them. This is less so in psychopaths, who may try to give in to their impulses in more or less functional ways (albeit by breaking rules). (even if it means breaking rules).

4. Sociopaths show a greater predisposition to violence.

Because psychopaths are more adept at navigating through society without setting off unnecessary alarms, they can determine when it does and does not pay to behave violently (although their vision is usually short- and medium-term, and not so much long-term).

Sociopaths, on the other hand, are more unpredictable, sociopaths are more unpredictable in this regardIn contrast, sociopaths are more unpredictable in this respect, and are relatively often involved in situations of violence that they trigger almost unintentionally, spontaneously.

5. Sociopathy is linked to poverty and marginality.

Due to the characteristics we have seen so far, sociopaths find it very difficult to climb the social ladder, and their life trajectory often comes into contact with the criminal world through fines or even imprisonment. On the other hand, their life habits prevent them from aspiring to long term goals, capable of leading them to better levels.that could lead them to a better standard of living.

On the other hand, among people with marked psychopathy it is not uncommon to climb the social ladder, and there are even well-paid jobs that fit their characteristics by requiring the ability not to empathize too much with others.

Parenting is decisive in sociopathy

The dynamics of the neglectful parenting style on the part of parents results in future wild children who are unable to socialize properly and who commit crimes.

If, in addition, the parents of these young people were also raised under irresponsible and indifferent supervision, being immature in this regard, it is very difficult for them to know how to set their offspring straight, if they care at all. David Lykken suggests that recent cultural changes in the United States have contributed to the growing incidence of this inept parenting.

As the author himself says: "the antisocial personalities responsible for most crime in the US are not psychopaths. They are sociopaths" (p.10). Thus, sociopathic personalities are more numerous and represent a major social problem due to rising rates of crime and violence. They are very present in Western society, and more so in cities than in rural populations.

The typical sociopath profile

Sociopathy is the broadest subgenre of Antisocial Personality Disorder. In it we find individuals (usually young men although the presence of women is increasing) who were not well socialized in childhood and adolescence. These shortcomings in their moral and affective development are the necessary basis for a case of sociopathy to emerge.

• "Sociopaths (...) possess impulsive characteristics or habit patterns that can be attributed to deviant learning that interacts, perhaps, with deviant genetic tendencies" (p. 47).

This should not mislead us, since a sociopath's temperament is often normal despite paternal dullness; while others may be nervous or constant stimulus seekers. The majority of the prison population meets the diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder that identify more than half of the men we consider "common criminals".

In summary, the sociopath is the failed product of a negligent and undisciplined upbringing..... It must be said, however, that a poor upbringing is not the only factor explaining sociopathy. It is not uncommon to meet people who, despite the many difficulties they experienced during their childhood, have been able to find their place in the world and become individuals with whom we can relate in a completely normal way.