How To Tell The 7 Big Differences Between A Psychopath And A Sociopath
Both are terrifying — but one was born that way, and the other was made that way.
Jeferson Santu | Unsplash Psychopaths vs sociopaths: the words are tossed around with the frequency of Parmesan and Romano cheese at an Italian restaurant. But does anyone really know the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath? They may seem similar, but psychology says they're two very different types of dangerous personalities.
Both share a total disregard for other people's feelings, the law, and basic social norms. They rarely feel guilt or remorse, and sometimes, they even show violent tendencies. Still, their core differences matter — especially if you think you might be dealing with one in your life. Here are the biggest ways to tell a psychopath and a sociopath apart (and why you might want to rethink that relationship if it hits too close to home).
How to tell the 7 big differences between a psychopath and a sociopath:
1. Nature vs. nurture
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The main difference between the two monsters is how they were created. Research shows that both genetics and life experiences shape personality.
Sociopaths are the result of nurture. An abusive upbringing or other such childhood trauma can lead to someone becoming a sociopath, like The Joker in Batman.
Psychopaths are born with faulty wiring. The part of the brain in charge of impulse control and emotions is underdeveloped, leading them to be born psychos.
2. Emotional stability
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While both psychopaths and sociopaths can exhibit antisocial behavior, emotional stability sets them apart.
Sociopaths are explosive and anxious. They get angry at the drop of a hat. They aren't so great at hiding their emotions; instead, they openly blame other people for their problems. Kinda like, "It's your fault I stubbed my toe!" Sociopaths are highly impulsive and lack patience.
Psychopaths tend to be cool, calm, and collected. They're so chill, you'll think they're on permanent Xanax.
3. Ability to connect with people
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Both psychopaths and sociopaths struggle to form healthy relationships, but for different reasons, research has found.
Sociopaths are overall bad people, but they can at least somewhat understand human emotions.
Psychopaths are completely unable to feel remorse or guilt. In fact, research has shown that when shown violent movies, psychopaths actually feel calmer, as opposed to normal people who feel more agitated when thinking about violence. Think Ted Bundy.
4. Career choices and success
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While both psychopaths and sociopaths can struggle with employment, their career trajectories differ significantly.
Sociopaths have a hard time maintaining a job, which all comes back to how they were raised.
Psychopaths tend to be highly intelligent and manage successful careers. They're master manipulators and can come across as very likable. Psychopaths can mimic human emotions, even if they can't personally experience them.
5. Criminal behavior
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Both psychopaths and sociopaths might engage in illegal behavior, but research distinguishes them by their motivations and methods.
Sociopaths tend to be highly unpredictable and impulsive. While violence is rare, it does happen.
Psychopaths are meticulous in their planning, making sure it's very difficult to get caught. Even if they're not violent, psychopaths often commit white-collar crimes like fraud or money laundering.
6. Relationships and attachment
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The way psychopaths and sociopaths form intimate bonds reflects their underlying personality differences in fundamental ways.
Sociopaths can have relationships, as terrible as they may be. Since their behavior is learned and not innate, they can still feel just enough to empathize and understand people.
Psychopaths form relationships based on what they can get out of them. If you find that your psychopath husband's friends are only useful to him to further his own needs, well ... that's a red flag.
7. Outward appearances
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Superficial charm masks different psychological realities for psychopaths and sociopaths, research suggests.
Sociopaths are likely to have kinks in their appearance. They might have uncontrollable tempers and be easily irritated or very disorganized.
Psychopaths are smooth like butter. Remember Christian Bale in the movie American Psycho? It's just like that. They're charming, flattering, and well-spoken.
Rachel Khona has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Playboy, Penthouse, Maxim, and Cosmopolitan, among others.
