How do sociopaths and psychopaths become the way they are?

Question

Do you think that some people were just born this way or is it a reaction to early childhood experiences?

Answer 1

Since my ex-husband is a sociopath, I will say from observation that they are born the way they are. His brother is normal, he is profoundly flawed. His father was too. He has one daughter who is a sociopath, not my child, another woman's child. His son and his other 4 daughters are normal. The daughter that is mine is normal.

Answer 2

Both are true. Twin studies where genetically identical twins were separated at birth have shown that one will demonstrate one set of personality traits while the other demonstrates another. On the other hand, there does seem to be a tendency for antisocial personality disorder (the diagnosis of mos of your "sociopaths" and in schizophrenics (your psychopaths). But don't get carried away. The very fact that there is a higher rate among genetically identical twins proves that other factors besides genetics play a role; if only genes were involved then the rate would be 100% for everybody with the same genes. That just is not the case. The is an equally appealing theory, presented by Patterson as seen in Jacobsen's book. He outlines step by step how bad parenting and other unfortunate events in a child's life, followed by poor choices the adolescent makes on her own lead to the exact same outcome we are discussing. So both are true.

From my own life experiences I begin to wonder why some people are more prone to certain unfortunate trends (personality problems, addictions, gambling, poor social skills, bad dating relationships. Looking teleologically at the world, it is my bet that each of us has some genetic predisposition toward some particular bad behavior and part of living a successful human life is overcoming the temptation and gaining strength by it to share with others. (But that's off the topic, sorry.)

Answer 3

Sociopathy is the inability to put yourself in someone else's shoes. You can not feel any real emotions, except for yourself (and psychiatrists are not sure of even that) so you don't ever do anything for anyone but yourself. (This is a very simplified explanation of course.) Sociopaths are generally born with the inability to think of anyone but themselves.

Psychopathy is the deliberate inflicting of pain and humiliation on others for your own enjoyment. (Again, a really simplified explanation.) Psychopaths are molded by THEIR OWN experimentation in first inflicting pain on pets and other animals. Perhaps it is the parent's fault, for not seeing that they get treatment at this stage, but psychopaths learn early to cover up their behaviour with an "angelic" seeming. That is why psychopaths often go through life without every being thought of as anything but a "great guy".

Sociopathy CAN lead to Psychopathy, but not all Sociopaths turn into Psychopaths.

Answer 4

Psychopathy is a dated term (just like Alienists is for Psychiatrists). Since 1973 and the DSM-III, the name of the condition has been changed to sociopathy.

The Nature vs. Nurture debate can go on forever, but until there's evidence to explain factually which or both are culprits, we won't know until it's studied more.

Technically, a child develops a Super-Ego from the ages of 6 to 8. If a kid doesn't develop this between then and early adulthood (before 14 years-old), unfortunately it'll be too late. A lack of conscience can't be retrained in an adult, as such behaviors (like sexual deviant ones such as pedophilia) are "hardwired" and permanent -- at least as we know how to treat it today.

Answer 5

Some people was born Brain Damaged/Mental , but most Psycopaths were born because they have "Disturbing Childhood Experiences" like you said.
It is Tragic that they become what they hated the most - They believe that anything can be solved with Violence because it is the only thing that they've learned in their childhood.

Answer 6

Genetics and gestational influence, set off perhaps by life experience. Recent studies of twins have shown surprises, and that no one genetic or environmental cause can be behind mental illness. Or homosexuality. Or many other syndromes and affinities that human beings experience.

Answer 7

We are born this way.
We are made this way by society.
Our parents are responsible.
Depends on which one of me you ask. We all have a story.

Answer 8

Mental illness can be caused by many factors both biological and environmental.

Answer 9

I vote for 1/2 and 1/2. I think it could be either way.

P. S. I like your "Flaming June" :-)

Answer 10

They had unhappy experiences in the womb. Like, their moms said, "I never wanted this ___ ____ baby anyway" and then went sky-diving. Little embryos have big ears.