Definitions of Psychopathy and Sociopathy - Essay Example

Fundamental differences between psychopathy and Sociopathy In most circumstances, definitions of psychopathy and sociopathy tend to be considered as the same and these terms end up being used interchangeably. However, recent research has shown that there are various differences between these two terms and that it would not be accurate to use them interchangeably. Over the years, new research has managed to develop an accurate assessment of these terms as well as individuals who they can be used to define and this has ensured that there is less confusion over their usage. Psychopathy has come to be used to define those individuals who have crossed the social, moral, or ethical lines of society and whose actions constitute a criminal element. Sociopathy on the other hand, has come to refer to those individuals who display strange or antisocial behaviours yet do not constitute a threat to those around them. There are further differences between these two terms and these involve a diverse number of perspectives. When the term psychopath is put into use, it more often than not refers to make a description of individuals who have gone against the set proper behaviour of a society. In most instances, these individuals display either criminal or manipulative behaviour, which makes them a danger to society (Coid et al., 2009; Salekin, 2002). In most instances, these individuals attempt to control people around them to ensure that either their personal interests are achieved, or for no other reason other than to cause harm to others. This is not usually a feature of sociopaths who, like psychopaths tend to lack ability, such as being empathetic, to deal with others in society and find it extremely difficult to relate with others. While this may be true of sociopaths, these individuals do not present a danger to those around them and are just the opposite; preferring to keep to themselves because they cannot properly relate to other people in their society (Bernstein, Arntz & de Vos, 2007; Lock, 2008). Despite sociopaths not being a danger to society, they can still be harmful to those linked to them at a personal level since they are capable of being emotionally destructive. However, unlike psychopaths, sociopaths are more in control of their baser instincts and do not go over the line into criminal activities. The other major difference between psychopathy and sociopathy is the manner in which these personalities are formed. Research has shown that psychopathy is a genetic trait that is more often than not inherited from a parent (Marcus, John & Edens, 2004). Psychopaths are born with their condition and this is often in such a way that they lack empathy as well as ethics, which are essential for individuals to live side by side in society without it descending to chaos (Decety, Skelly & Kiehl, 2013). The signs of psychopathy can be seen from a very young age when individuals develop a controlling as well as indifferent nature towards children of a similar age (Patrick, Fowles & Krueger, 2009). On the other hand, Sociopathy is not genetic and it instead develops based on the upbringing that an individual has (Campbell & Miller, 2011). Among the most significant factors that determine whether an individual might become a sociopath are experiences that they go through as children. These may include having an abusive or cold childhood, which might make an individual to develop this condition as a way of coping with the circumstances. Sociopathy develops as a defence mechanism, which causes an individual to shut down emotionally and eventually devolving into this condition. In most circumstances, it is extremely difficult to determine whether an individual is a psychopath and this is based on their personality. Most psychopaths are quite easygoing individuals who are not only well spoken, but also charismatic. Even when they do something that is out of character, they are often quick to recover and this makes it extremely difficult to decipher their true intentions (Delisi et al., 2009). Psychopaths can be extremely cold hearted and cruel in their dealings with others when given the opportunity but this is not normally noticed by many until it is too late and they fall victim to these individuals (Harris, Rice & Quinsey, 1994; Skeem et al, 2011). Sociopaths, on the other hand, are easier to spot and this is because they tend to show their real nature to others. Sociopaths are highly disorganized individuals who are not only abrupt in their speech, but also get easily annoyed and are swift in displaying their temper (Board & Fritzon, 2005). While these may be their characteristics, sociopaths do not cause harm to others and the only serious issue to come out of their personality is that they are highly antisocial. Psychopaths do not have the capacity to feel any sort of attachment or empathy towards their fellow human beings and they can be quite uncaring for those around them. Their inability to feel any form of guilt or shame makes them extremely dangerous individuals in the society because they can do heinous things at a whim yet not feel any remorse for their actions (Edens et al., 2006; Widiger & Lynam, 2002). The danger paused by psychopaths towards the society due to their lack of regulatory feelings cannot be underestimated and in most cases, their actions often result in a tragic end for their victims. In contrast, it has been suggested that sociopaths have the ability to become attached to others although the extent of their attachment tends to be extremely narrow. Sociopaths have very few friends and these are highly valued and will be treated in a normal way. However, this treatment is normally not applied to the rest of society who sociopaths treat with a lack of empathy or attachment because these individuals are not close to them (Simonoff et al., 2004). Sociopaths do not feel any guilt when they harm strangers or when they choose to go against the laws of their societies, but this does not mean that they have a complete lack of empathy; unlike psychopaths. Therefore, psychopathy and sociopathy are two different phenomena which should not be confused as being synonymous. This is especially because while these two personalities may share some characteristics, such a lack of empathy as well as being uncaring in nature, psychopaths are the ones who present a danger to society due to their lack of control over their actions. Sociopaths, while being antisocial individuals, they are still capable of forming lasting relationships and are not a danger to society. References Bernstein, D.P., Arntz, A. & de Vos, M. (2007). Schema Focused Therapy in Forensic Settings: Theoretical Model and Recommendations for Best Clinical Practice. International Journal of Forensic Mental Health 6(2), 169–183. Board, B.J. & Fritzon, K. (2005). Disordered personalities at work. Psychology, Crime & Law 11(1), 17–32. Campbell, W.K. & Miller, J.D. (2011). The Handbook of Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Theoretical Approaches, Empirical Findings, and Treatments. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Coid, J. et al. (2009). 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