In my first few posts, I have been talking mainly about narcissists. Now, I am going to expand it further to sociopaths and psychopaths.
Firstly, all sociopaths are narcissists but not all narcissists are sociopaths.
Secondly, all psychopaths are narcissists but not all narcissists are psychopaths.
Now, the word "Psychopath" is misunderstood. We may automatically think of blood thirsty killers that are portrayed on television and the movies. But, in reality, very few psychopaths are anything like those depictions. So, rest easy as you read this blog.
Narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths, although having their own characteristics, also have overlapping characteristics, making it confusing to distinguish.
Narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths, although having their own characteristics, also have overlapping characteristics, making it confusing to distinguish.
So, let me describe the characteristics of each. Let's start from the bottom and go up:
The Traits of a Narcissist, known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are:
1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance.
3. Believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
4. Requires excessive admiration. Regularly fishes for compliments, and is highly susceptible to flattery.
5. Has a sense of entitlement.
6. Is interpersonally exploitative.
7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling (actually unable), to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
9. Shows arrogant, haughty (rude and abusive) behaviors or attitudes.
The Traits of a Sociopath (known as Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)) are:
1, Callous unconcern for the feelings of others.
2. Gross and persistent attitude of irresponsibility and disregard for social norms and obligations.
3. Incapacity to maintain enduring relationships, though having no difficulty in establishing them,.
4. Very low tolerance to frustration, a low threshold for discharge of aggression, including violence.
5. Markedly prone to blame others or to offer plausible rationalization for the behavior that has brought the person into conflict with society.
And, last but not least, the traits of a Psychopath (also known as Antisocial Personality Disorder):
1. Pathological lying.
2. Glibness and superficial charm.
3. Grandiose sense of self worth.
4. Being cunning and manipulative.
5. Shallow emotions.
6. Callousness and lack of empathy.
7. Failure to accept responsibility for their own acts.
8. A lack of realistic long-term goals.
9. Impulsivity.
10. Irresponsibility.
11. Poor behavior controls.
12. Susceptible of revocation of parole.
13. Criminal versatility.
14. Promiscuous sexual behavior.
15. Many marital relationships.
Narcissists, sociopaths and psychopaths are quite prevalent among us.
1 in every 6 people are narcissists.
1 in every 25 people are sociopaths.
Many statistical reports state than 1 in 25 people are psychopaths, but they also lump them in the category of sociopaths, so this is unclear to me. Other reports claim that 1 in 200 people are psychopaths, and I actually tend to give this number more credibility.
You will find narcissists, sociopaths and psychopaths in prominent positions in business settings. For example, there are many CEO's, clergy, ministers, pastors, psychologists, government officials, and so forth, that are psychopaths. So, everywhere you go, be aware of who you are actually engaging with.
After doing my research, I learned that my particular narcissist was actually a sociopath. Besides narcissistic traits, he also exhibited characteristics of all the sociopathic traits .
So, look at these traits and determine if you're living with, or even know a narcissist, sociopath, or psychopath.
Until next time:
Be GOOD to YOU.
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