Sociopath Vs Psychopath

Through literary reading and time there has always been the misconception between the two words sociopath and psychopath. As people battle from a literal standpoint to define the words sociopath and psychopath for whatever reason; both terms always seem to share a common ground of being a personality disorder. There have been many assumptions about individuals who display sociopathic or psychopathic characteristics. Whether in life or in fiction these individuals are believed to be dark and menacing. In time, research has shown that these people are not always dark, mysterious killers hiding behind masks, but can be people of any stature in a community. This includes people of politics, school teachers, or even church members. According to Sociopathy, the word sociopath is defined as “a clinical condition marked by a pattern of disturbed interpersonal, emotional, and behavioral functioning.” In most cases, sociopaths display the same common characteristics. These characteristics include manipulation, dishonesty, lack of remorse, charm, and lack of control. Prime
examples of well-known sociopaths include Theodore Robert Bundy (Ted Bundy), Charles Manson, and Jim Jones. Research shows that the ability to manipulate could be a sociopath’s strongest and most dangerous trait. For example, Charles Manson and Jim Jones manipulated groups of people to commit crimes against others and even themselves. Jim Jones a religious figure, had the ability to make the people of Jonestown believe there was life after death. As a result, over nine-hundred people consumed a poisonous mixture which lead to the world’s largest mass murder-suicide before 9/11. Not only can sociopaths manipulate and make good first impressions on others, sociopaths are also able to blend in with society. Blending in with society made it easier for sociopaths like Theodore “Ted” Bundy to attend college and live amongst many of his victims. According to the Oxford Dictionaries a psychopath is “a person suffering from chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior”.
Although, sociopaths and psychopaths share some of the same characteristics such as charm, manipulation, and remorselessness. There is a key element in the personality disorders that set them apart. The key element that sets these two disorders apart is the fact that sociopaths seem to have somewhat of a conscience, whereas psychopaths shows little to no conscience. In other words, psychopaths seem to have no problem causing harm to others. In most cases, psychopaths are viewed as criminals, this isn’t always the case. Research shows that psychopathic behavior can be shown in homes and even the work place. For example, a supervisor may show psychopathic traits in a workplace by making unfair demands, verbally attacking coworkers, and outwardly rude
behavior. In more severe cases, a psychopath can be extremely aggressive, unpredictable, and violent. Richard Ramirez, also known as the “Night Stalker” is a prime example of an aggressive and violent psychopath. In Richard’s crimes, he was shown to be very unpredictable when attacking his victims with no motive. Richard Ramirez went on to commit over thirty crimes, which fourteen of them were murders.
In closing, the word sociopath is defined as “a clinical condition marked by a pattern of disturbed interpersonal, emotional, and behavioral functioning.” The word psychopath is defined as “a person suffering from chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior” Both terms are close in meaning and is related to personality disorders. The characteristics of individuals displaying sociopathic or psychopathic traits are manipulation, lack of remorse, charm, and a lack of self-control. What sets the disorders a part may depend on the environment, genetics, and a conscience or the lack thereof. In time, research has shown that these people are not always dark, mysterious killers hiding behind masks, but can be people of any stature in a community. This includes people of politics, school teachers, supervisors in the work-place, or even church members. The literary battle to fully understand the terms sociopath and psychopath continues.