Is a sociopath really incapable of feeling love?

Question

?and is alot of it coming from a lack of love and attention whenthey were growing up?

Answer 1

No,a sociopath is still a human, and every human is capable of love. They just don't show it. Yes,it may be from lack of love in their life,but there are some because of bad and tragic events that happened to them.

Answer 2

That's a very good question. Sociopaths, by definition, have no conscience. They can harm indiscriminately with no remorse whatever. At the same time, their psyche is what Psychiatrists have sometimes defined as "swiss cheese:" They can show inordinate concern with some people and callous disregard for others.

You are correct when you ask if "a lot of it" can come from lack of love and attention when growing up. More to the point, it can be abusive treatment when very young; absence of love usually leads to inadequate personality and yes, inadequate physical development. Finally, in some cases, there does appear to be some genetic or mutant origin in some cases. "The Bad Seed," an excellent and creepy movie brought this notion to the public.

Answer 3

Yes, people with Antisocial Personality Disorder(the actual disorder, sociopath/psychopath is a layman's term to describe dysfunctional often criminal behavior) can feel love, they deal with emotion a little differently, but they definitely feel the full range of emotions. The main features of APD are an Overly Rational Moral-Code, and lack of Fear. The rest of the symptoms are all results of that rational moral-code, and lack of fear. ------------------- I don't think you're a sociopath, because you're not 'clean' enough in how you describe this, if you had APD you'd be neutral about how it 'looks', and you really wouldn't worry about things like this, you're very careful about how this 'looks', and you have really thought about this long, and hard, which is very A-typical for someone with APD. Most likely you're just a rebellious teenager, they show some signs of APD, but aren't nearly 'solid' enough in the dysfunctional behavior.

Answer 4

Yes, they are incapable of feeling love: they have no empathy. Someone with a total inability to feel empathy cannot "feel" love. They lack the CAPACITY for this. There is much more to it than that! Also, the reasons for sociopathology are only of a speculatory nature: insufficient research has been done. I remember reading that some experts believe that sociopaths become this way due to the effects of inconsistent parenting (which is quite different to what you said). Again, this underscores the speculatory nature of the conclusions reached. The most renowned expert on this subject is Dr. Robert Hare. You will find many references to him on the internet. He has devised standardised tests to unearth sociopaths in various settings (ie in the corporate world). These tests have been translated into practically every language on the face of the earth.
EDIT:
"Moss P" was quite correct when he noted that "in some cases, there does appear to be some genetic or mutant origin..." Brain scans on these individuals have shown different types of brain activity (different areas 'lighting up') as compared to normal controls (same stimuli given both, obviously).

Answer 5

I've married one of those, had a friend who described himself as one, but no one is just what sociologists have labeled or gotten from a test.

My x husband would have been ashamed of being part of that label, but was exactly the book description. My friend exhibited commitment far beyond the evaluation. If one is looking for husband material, look beyond that evaluation. Look for what he will do for you and what his commitment level is. The love you receive can be just what you want if you are willing to give up some things for what he CAN give. It is hard to find a good (real) man these days!

Answer 6

actually, a socipath is unable to feel or express just about EVERY emotion.

Answer 7

Glibness and Superficial Charm

Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."

Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

Incapacity for Love

Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.

Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them. Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them. Authoritarian. Secretive. Paranoid. Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired. Conventional appearance
Goal of enslavement of their victim(s) Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life.
Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
Incapable of real human attachment to another
Unable to feel remorse or guilt
Extreme narcissism and grandiose
May state readily that their goal is to rule the world

NO room for love...too selfish

Answer 8

Everyone needs Love! Everyone! And they know if it is genuine! We all need Love! Don't you?