By Rev. Dr. Philippe SHOCK Matthews
Research Scientist: Africana Phenomenology
The terms "psychopath" and "sociopath" are often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions between the two. Psychopathy is characterized by a lack of empathy, guilt, and remorse, as well as superficial charm and manipulative behavior (Skopec, 2019; Borja & Ostrosky, 2013). Psychopaths may also exhibit a grandiose sense of self-worth and a callous disregard for others' feelings. In contrast, sociopathy is associated with impulsivity, erratic behavior, and a disregard for societal norms (Scott et al., 1977). Sociopaths may have difficulty forming attachments and maintaining relationships (Spytska, 2023). Additionally, psychopathy is linked to instrumental or "cold-blooded" crimes, while sociopathy is associated with reactive or impulsive offenses (Woodworth & Porter, 2002; Flynn, n.d.).
The differences between psychopathy and sociopathy extend to their underlying psychological profiles. Psychopathy is characterized by affective, interpersonal, antisocial, and lifestyle elements (Quayle, 2008). In contrast, sociopathy is linked to learning deficits and a lack of anxiety, with some individuals reporting little anxiety (primary sociopathy) and others reporting high anxiety (neurotic sociopathy) (Bernard & Eisenman, 1967; Evra & Rosenberg, 1963). Furthermore, psychopathy is associated with a lack of physiological responses to stress, such as electrodermal hypoactivity (Hare, 1972).
It is important to note that both psychopathy and sociopathy are associated with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) (Agbo, 2023). However, primary psychopathy is linked to controlling mothers and avoidant attachment in men, while in women, it is associated with uncaring fathers and both anxious and avoidant attachment (Blanchard & Lyons, 2016). On the other hand, sociopathy is often attributed to environmental factors, such as parental pressure and traumatic events (Henry, 2019).
In conclusion, while psychopathy and sociopathy share some commonalities, such as their association with ASPD, they also exhibit distinct differences in terms of behavioral patterns, psychological characteristics, and underlying etiology.
Read my paper entitled: Investigating the Psychopathic and Sociopathic Tendencies in Whiteness, Anti-Blackness, and White Fragility: Implications for Understanding and Addressing Systemic Racism https://bit.ly/440UxxU, where I confirm 2nd frequency behaviors of psychopathy and sociopathy. Thoughts and comments are welcome, family.
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References:
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Bernard, J. and Eisenman, R. (1967). Verbal conditioning in sociopaths with social and monetary reinforcement.. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 6(2), 203-206. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0024673
Blanchard, A. and Lyons, M. (2016). Sex differences between primary and secondary psychopathy, parental bonding, and attachment style.. Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences, 10(1), 56-63. https://doi.org/10.1037/ebs0000065
Borja, K. and Ostrosky, F. (2013). Early traumatic events in psychopaths. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 58(4), 927-931. https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.12104
Evra, J. and Rosenberg, B. (1963). Ego strength and ego disjunction in primary and secondary psychopaths. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 19(1), 61-63. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-4679(196301)19:13.0.co;2-t
Flynn, J. Exploring the instrumental and reactive violence dichotomy in the offences of violent psychopaths.. https://doi.org/10.26686/wgtn.17006692
Hare, R. (1972). Psychopathy and physiological responses to adrenalin.. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 79(2), 138-147. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0032725
Henry, K. (2019). The sociopathic behaviour in gone girl. K Ta Kita, 7(2), 214-219. https://doi.org/10.9744/katakita.7.2.214-219
Quayle, J. (2008). Interviewing a psychopathic suspect. Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, 5(1-2), 79-91. https://doi.org/10.1002/jip.83
Scott, N., Mount, M., & Duffy, P. (1977). Mmpi and demographic correlates and predictors of female prison escape. Correctional Psychologist, 4(3), 285-300. https://doi.org/10.1177/009385487700400306
Skopec, R. (2019). Darwin’s theorem revised: survival of the careerist. Archives of Pharmacy & Pharmacology Research, 1(4). https://doi.org/10.33552/appr.2019.01.000516
Spytska, L. (2023). Differences in the psychological portrait of a sociopath, sociophobe and introvert. Scientific Bulletin of Mukachevo State University Series “Pedagogy and Psychology”, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.52534/msu-pp1.2023.87
Woodworth, M. and Porter, S. (2002). In cold blood: characteristics of criminal homicides as a function of psychopathy.. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 111(3), 436-445. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843x.111.3.436
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