loosely speaking, how would you pick one out from a crowd?
2007-07-31 22:13:18 · 8 answers · asked by Alex 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
A sociopath is someone who demonstrates the following qualities:-
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
2007-08-01 08:09:16 · answer #1 · answered by Sal SR 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paula,
A sociopath is the common name for a psychopath. They are people who have no understanding of others' feelings. They may or may not be violent. Often good at assessing others' motivations, they usually fail ultimately because they lack the understanding of those feelings. They make bad decisions about their own lives. Also, a sociopath is likely to set up emotional "fires" and then stand back and watch the sparks fly. They feel no guilt.
I recommend you buy a copy of, "The Sociopath Next Door," by Martha Stout, PhD.d. It has an excellent discussion of the subject, but in an easy to read form.
2007-08-01 05:39:32 · answer #2 · answered by Jeanne B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best way (even though there is no best way as a full psychological exam should be performed) is to note how much they care about other people. A true sociopath literally does not get the connection between what they do and how it affects other people. That's my short answer for you. For the long answer, wiki it.
I've known a true sociopath before. They're not you're average a**hole. They really are sick. It's shocking their level of indifference in light of other people's reactions. They also use their complete moral ineptitude to manipulate those around them into thinking they're "charming" or "wonderful". Seriously. Wiki Ted Bundy and you'll know what I'm talking about.
2007-08-01 05:23:08 · answer #3 · answered by mina_lumina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A sociopath is somebody who isn't capable of feeling empathy for other people. They are extremely hard to tell apart from other people, because they often act very warm and loving, though it's a lie.
Signs of a sociopath:
disregard for rules
fits of anger
lack of love/empathy
lack of remorse
2007-08-01 05:23:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you don't have to be in a crowd to pick a sociopath, drive in your car and try to observe how some drivers reacts to the way some people drives. those who rages and yells and curse with their fingers are examples of some sociopath in our midst.
2007-08-01 05:18:37 · answer #5 · answered by livinhapi 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i always wondered wht the difference between a socio and a psycho are...
2007-08-01 05:24:52 · answer #6 · answered by Val 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can't*LOL* they look just normal.
a sociopath is someone who knows and understands society's rules (i.e. killing someone) he just doesn't care.
2007-08-01 05:19:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Come over and see my battleaxe collection...
2007-08-01 05:16:55 · answer #8 · answered by Pat 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋