Looks Similar, This Is The Difference Between Psychopaths and Sociopaths

The terms psychopath and sociopath may sound familiar to our ears, yes. However, these two terms are often used interchangeably. In fact, psychopaths and sociopaths are two different things, you know. Well, to know what the difference is, let's see the full explanation in this article.

Psychopaths and sociopaths are included in antisocial personality disorder. People with antisocial personalities, both psychopaths and sociopaths, often ignore laws and social norms, ignore the rights of others, are not introspective, have no remorse, and have no empathy or compassion for others.

The Difference Between Psychopath and Sociopath

Although both are part of antisocial personality disorder, there are some basic differences between psychopaths and sociopaths that you need to know, namely:

1. Cause

The exact cause of antisocial personality disorder is not known. However, some research suggests that sociopaths are often triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including parental parenting or past traumatic events, such as having experienced sexual abuse.

Meanwhile, in addition to genetic factors, a psychopath is known to have disorders in the brain that are closely related to the ability to develop ethical and moral values.

2. Social skills

Psychopaths and sociopaths can also be distinguished by the way they socialize. Generally, psychopaths can appear pleasant on the outside and sometimes even seem charismatic, but this is usually their way of manipulating the people around them to get what they want.

On the other hand, sociopaths are usually more outspoken, irritable, and unable to maintain relationships with other people. Therefore, a sociopath generally finds it difficult to blend in with the surrounding community.

However, a sociopath can still have emotional attachments to certain individuals or groups, even though it is very difficult. Unlike a psychopath, he is completely incapable of forming emotional bonds with other people. Psychopaths even only view other people as objects.

3. Empathy and conscience

Although in some ways psychopaths and sociopaths look similar, research shows that psychopaths tend to exhibit more severe negative behavior than sociopaths.

A sociopath generally still knows that their negative behavior is wrong, even though it's still not enough to stop them from doing the behavior.

Meanwhile, psychopaths have absolutely no emotion and conscience when they are carrying out an action, even though the action is very bad or even terrible.

Therefore, usually the losses incurred by psychopaths also tend to be more severe and risk endangering the safety of others, compared to sociopaths.

4. Self control

The self-control that a psychopath and a sociopath have is also very different. A sociopath tends to be more prone to panic, nervousness, and restlessness. If he doesn't get what he wants, the sociopath doesn't have the ability to suppress his emotions, and he can even become very aggressive.

Therefore, crimes or bad things committed by sociopaths are also usually spontaneous, impulsive, and often done haphazardly.

In contrast to psychopaths who can be very calm, have no fear, and even seem like they've been trained. Before committing a crime or bad thing, a psychopath will usually plan it in great detail and with great care.

Well, those are some of the differences between psychopaths and sociopaths that you need to know. Even though they look similar, psychopaths and sociopaths are still different, right.

If you still have questions regarding a psychopath or a sociopath, or if you may know someone who seems to have signs of a psychopath or a sociopath as described above, don't hesitate to consult a psychologist.

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