...reason to do the right thing. Psychopaths are closely compared to sociopaths but they have a very distinct difference that keeps sociopaths out of trouble unlike psychopaths. Sociopaths are not criminal by nature, you can argue that about psychopaths or anyone but, they are very charismatic and don’t have a moral compass like psychopaths. Sociopaths are independent thinkers and lack empathy so they can’t relate to others so they mostly isolate themselves. This isolation makes them a non-threat to society as a whole. Being a sociopath isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A NPR report about a real life sociopath debunks these rumors on sociopaths with her book. The differences between Psychopaths and Sociopaths might be small but it makes a difference in their behavior. Being said sociopath isn’t always good, but there isn’t much research on sociopathic behavior to show it has a “bad” side. In the report by NPR is done on M.E. Thomas who is a diagnosed sociopath and she talks about her experience as a sociopath. Her book is called Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight and she uses an alias because sociopaths are not viewed as positive by society’s standards. She reveals that most sociopaths “are not incarcerated and the silent majority often live freely and anonymously” “They’re your neighbors, colleagues, maybe even family members and lovers.” Most don’t make there presents known, unlike psychopaths who like to have their presence known and acknowledged by everyone...
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...The Sociopath Next Door Author: Martha Stout Book Review By: Nicole Hanks April 8, 2013 “1 in 25 ordinary Americans secretly has no conscience and can do anything at all without feeling guilty. Who is the devil you know?” “A chilling accurate portrayal of evil—the decent person’s guide to indecency.” Jonathan Kellerman If a sociopath lives next door, don't go over for coffee. In fact, don't admit to them that you drink coffee, don't talk to them, and for the love of all that's holy, don't ever ask if you can borrow a cup of sugar. Not even if you're baking a cake that is guaranteed to find you true love, a promotion, and give you the winning lotto numbers. Do not make nice with a sociopath. Or so you'll think after reading Martha Stout's book. The Sociopath Next Door is an intriguing look at these devious, tricky people who live a life without a conscience. She describes the sociopath as a person who doesn't have guilt or remorse, or a sense of conscience. Literally they have no conscience. Their minds are such that the sociopath is free to run among us in the world, doing what they like without feeling bad or upset. They don't lie awake at night, wishing they could take back a nasty remark. They don't bite back and keep from saying nasty things to the clerk at Blockbuster when asked to check their backpacks at the store. If they say something awful, they're not going to feel sorry for it. That really seems to be the gist of sociopath, the total lack of remorse or regard...
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...Andersen is merely a freelance author of two books and a creator of the website “Lovefraud.com.” She was wooed by a sociopath and married him. She catalogued all the information she discovered about sociopaths from her own experiences, and those of other people, and then wrote a guide to tell if you’re dating, married to, or interested in a sociopath. This book is all about the concept of “love fraud” and the people who commit it, named sociopaths. The contents of this book are firsthand stories of people who were with a sociopath. The author was married to one for years and she tells her story as well. This book also gives the “Red Flags” of Love fraud which are Charisma and charm, Sudden soul mates, Sexual magnetism, Love bombing, Blames others for everything, Lies and gaps in the story, Intense eye contact, Moves fast to hook up, Pity play, and Jekyll and Hyde personality. This book also lists the traits of a sociopath being: Lying, Exploitation, Entitlement, Shallow emotions, Dominance, Irresponsibility, Need for Excitement, and Antisocial behavior. This book also lists those who a vulnerable to being preyed upon by a sociopath. Those who are Wounded, Need love, Lonely, Empathetic, Low self-esteem, Want a relationship, Trusting, Need assistance, Single parent, and those who are in Grief are all vulnerable to sociopaths. Being in a relationship with a sociopath is dangerous. They appear sweet and perfect, but in reality, they can give one health issues, financial and property...
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...In the article confessions of a sociopath, the term sociopath has been redefined for me. The author shows herself as a sociopath, but not how the world would describe one. She claims that she fits the description of a sociopath, but doesn't act on some of the normal characteristics of one who suffers from being a sociopath. She is a successful lawyer, and even a sunday school teacher, but still self proclaims herself as a sociopath. Inside her she grows to manipulate and outsmart the people around her that she can so dearly care for. She states that she has never killed anyone, but has felt the urge to take someone's life. I have found it interesting that someone would not have a problem making these claims about themselves. The author states...
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...Devoid of Empathy The Sociopath, often referred to as a Psychopath or as one having an anti-social personality sickness is a callous, remorseless, self-established man or woman. However these with this sickness aren't insane-they are completely conscious of what they're doing and what the consequences of their movements might be. They make their choices rationally, no longer out of delusion. Sociopaths lack what's referred to as the affective part of empathy meaning that they are mindful of how the other person is feeling or what they are thinking but they easily do not care. As they see it, folks are just objects to use for their possess gratification. They're manipulative and ruthless predators who most likely pick those people who are...
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...Characteristic Traits among Genders: The Sociopath and Psychopath by Evelyn J. Dotson MS, University of Phoenix, 2015 Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science Psychology University of Phoenix March, 2015 Abstract Psychopathic and sociopathic general characteristic traits are found in both genders in various populations. More research on the general characteristic traits of females is needed. Research for the female populations will give professionals information about the differences displayed between genders. Different applied sciences will also further their knowledge in treatment options for either tendency. The study used explored if any differences existed between genders with intensified levels of psychopathic traits in regard to psychopathy factor scores. The sample consisted of 2,500 people of both genders (52.6% women) (M=22.15; SD=1.38) from the generalized population, aged 20-24. Results displayed women with psychopathic personality traits had significantly higher levels of behavioral tendencies than men of the same. The genders did display a difference in aggressive behavior. The men showed a significant amount of aggressive behaviors compared to the women. The gender differences displayed in the seven psychopathic features show the variations needed for treatment options. Differences and Similarities in Generalized Characteristic Traits among Genders: The Sociopath and Psychopath by Evelyn J. Dotson ...
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...Mr. Julian “The winged Satan in my mind’s eye, roaring with cynical laughter and rising from the wreckage, was not a terrorist, but a demonic manipulator who used terrorist’s acts to ignite the kindling of hatred all over the globe”. According to the author, Martha Stout, Ph.D., the sociopath is an individual who uses manipulation, demonic manipulation, to gain power over others with no conscience or guilt. They are mentally ill psychopaths; these individuals lack the ability to form emotional bonds with other people. They are reckless! Our society is based on relationships and bonding. We are social beings and this is true all the way back to our primate ancestors. Sociopaths are undetectable; they are next-door neighbors, teachers, employers, co-workers, and so on. They undistinguishable except for the common characteristics as described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV of the American Psychiatric Association....
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...Is cheating and murder analogous? Is it the adrenaline rush of possibly getting caught? Maybe it’s like a drug once you start it you can’t stop. The legal definition of a serial killer is someone who has killed at least three people in a matter of thirty days. All serial killers are psychopaths and sociopaths, but be that as it may not all sociopaths and psychopaths are killers. To know a killer we have to get into the mindset of one. Nevertheless, the question that still stands is what makes a serial killer? The dictionary definition of a serial killer is a person who commits a series of murders, often with no apparent motive and typically following a characteristic, predictable pattern (Oxford). What is a sociopath? A sociopath is a person with a psychopathic personality whose behavior is antisocial, often criminal, who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience ( Dictionary). What is a psychopath? A psychopath is a person with a psychopathic personality, which manifests as amoral and antisocial behavior, lack of ability to love or establish meaningful personal relationships, extreme egocentricity, failure to learn from experience, etc (Dictionary)....
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...Serial killers are not new; there have been many accounts of serial killers in past ages and in many different places around the world, so it's not just a part of one unique nation or time period. For example, one of the earliest recorded cases of serial murder was Locusta of Galt of the Roman Empire, who preferred the method of poison and was highly rewarded. But not enough information was recorded about her as to know how many people she killed and the span of years the killings took place. And there has been some discussion as to whether or not people like Lacousta were "serial killers", since by modern standards, the definition is different. But the intent to kill is there. The most typical example of the modern day Serial killer is "Jack...
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...crafted crime. Analyzing it from the attribution theory, when it comes to perception of the action, where the behavior is observed, the case got the attention of the media because Amy was famous for her parents’ children’s book series named Amazing Amy. Nick’s media appearances got the public misinterpreting his socially awkward, wary demeanor. The judgment of intention, the way he hesitantly smiled at the cameras rubbed off the wrong way, that his emotional responses weren’t normal for a man who just declared his wife missing. The media judged this as a telling signs of a sociopath. The attribution of the action, they connected his behavior to a sociopath therefore jumping to the conclusion that Nick might have killed his own wife. Spiral of silence was when he was plotting his next move. Internalizing all the things Amy hurled his way. He didn’t stand up for himself. He just let the media lashed out and tore his name apart. He didn’t protest when he was being called a sociopath, didn’t voice out how hard it was to be constantly hounded by the reporters and photographers. It affected his so much he started to isolate himself from everyone he knows, even his sister. But when he gave in talked to her again, it was clear why. He remained silent because the opposition is the view of the majority. He was afraid to be subjected to rejection and to be the butt of all the negative things, he was growing sick of being called and suspected as a murderer, so he thought it would be...
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...Compulsive Lying Is your husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend a compulsive/pathological liar or a sociopath? To begin with, it may help to understand the difference between a pathological or compulsive liar and a sociopath (see, types of liars). Ultimately, making this type of distinction may not be that useful. Because in either case, the outcome is typically the same: dealing with a compulsive or pathological liar is very difficult to do. And unfortunately, sociopaths cannot be changed (see, lovefraud). A compulsive liar will resort to telling lies, regardless of the situation. Again, everyone lies from time to time (see, when lovers lie), but for a compulsive liar, telling lies is routine. It becomes a habit - a way of life. Simply put, for a compulsive liar, lying becomes second nature. Not only do compulsive liars bend the truth about issues large and small, they take comfort in it. Lying feels right to a compulsive liar. Telling the truth, on the other hand, is difficult and uncomfortable. And like any behavior which provides comfort and an escape from discomfort (i.e., alcohol, drugs, sex), lying can become addictive and hard to stop. For the compulsive liar, lying feels safe and this fuels the desire to lie even more. Making matters even more complicated, compulsive lying is often a symptom of a much larger personality disorder, which only makes the problem more difficult to resolve (see, narcissistic personality disorder and borderline...
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...open this film with consideringNightcrawler is a film that is devoid of emotion, sentiment or integrity. This form of detachment from human emotion does not stem from the film’s content, but rather from Jake Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of the film’s main character, Lou Bloom. Even in the strictest of definitions, the character is a sociopath who feeds off the vulnerability of others. By proxy of Gyllenhaal’s performance, the film transforms itself into an unapologetic film that chronicles the plight of its lead character without ever throwing judgment or morality upon his actions. A sociopath, in many regards, is opportunists. They craft a narrative and use their persuasive social skills to create an entry into individual’s lives, companies or corporations. Typically such personalities are perceived to be harmless, such as being personable and generating attention towards them. Also, their inability to feel guilt often feeds into their confidence, which allows for them to present themselves as being more than they actually are. Gyllenhaal’s performance occupies many of these qualities, to which the viewer must immediately acknowledge as being contradictory to who he truly is, which is a vindictive manipulator. However, Gyllenhaal’s Bloom is able to generate animosity towards him by continually smiling and giving direct eye contact to those he speaks to. Part of his charm also falls in that his eyes never deviate from whom he is speaking to and he is never the first to break the gaze...
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...America’s Society, many calling for gun control and higher security of school campuses. Dylan Klebold is perceived in the Columbine novel as a depressed, suicidal teen that followed Eric and was practically hypnotized under his influence. He would attempt to commit crimes with Eric, even though he had difficulty covering his tracks and lies when confronted about them, as demonstrated on page 200 of the novel, paragraph two, “Dylan was no good at deception. He kept getting caught. Eric did not. Tom Klebold noticed that Dylan had a new laptop. Eric could have weaseled out of that one without missing a beat-- it was a friend’s… he’d checked it out of the computer lab. Dylan just confessed. His dad made him turn himself in.” Dylan was a sociopath, between his violations of the law, lying(although not very convincing as demonstrated...
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...David Gore as He is Revealed in The Serial Killer Whisperer Student Name Institutional Affiliation David Gore as He is Revealed in The Serial Killer Whisperer One of the key applications of psychology is in the civil and criminal justice systems. Hugo Munsterberg, a German- American psychologist, is believed to have been the first person to pioneer the application of psychology in research and theories relating to crime. His research formed much of what was later to be regarded as forensic psychology. The research covered false confessions, witness memory, and the role of hypnosis in court proceedings. Over time, the discipline has evolved to include the principles that law enforcement or psychologists could use in the interviewing of suspects and witnesses. Forensic psychology also covers the strategies used in deception and detecting lies while describing the process of assessing criminals for violence and re-offending risks. The overarching aim of the discipline is simply to understand criminal behavior along with the developmental risk factors related to such conduct, psychopathy, and sociopathy being the two most typical of the criminal acts. Pete Earley’s book The Serial Killer Whisperer recounts the life story of Tony Ciaglia, a man with the extraordinary ability to get serial killers to open up. In 1992, Ciaglia suffered a traumatic brain injury after a freak jet-ski accident. In spite of being pronounced clinically dead thrice while on the way to the hospital...
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...isolated village in New Hampshire’s Lake District,” (Meyer & Weaver, 2009). His parents were Levi Horton Mudgett and Theodate Page Price. His mother was a devout Methodist always reading the bible to Hermann, while his father was more of a disciplinarian and alcoholic. “Hermann was a “delicately built boy, blue eyed and brown haired, with a reputation as ‘the brightest lad in town’ … his father… beat the boy with savage regularity,” (Meyer & Weaver, 2009). After a beating, Hermann would ordinarily spend a day in solitary confinement in the attic with no food or water. It was not only his father that was malicious toward him many children were too. “On one occasion they grabbed him, dragged him into the office of the village doctor, who was out on a call, and forced his face into the hands of the skeleton the doctor used for demonstrations,” (Meyer & Weaver). This experience led to his fascination with anatomy. When Hermann was 11 years, he began to dissect live animals and kept their bones. “His closest and possibly only childhood friend was killed in a suspicious “fall” while the two of them were playing in an abandoned house,” and he was apparently standing behind his friend during the incident, (Meyer & Weaver, 2009). When Hermann was 17 he married for the first time to Clara Lovering. Clara was wealthy and Hermann used that to his advantage. After the use of the money, Hermann left Clara. He then decided he wanted to become a physician and enrolled in school...
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