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Who Is a Sociopath ?

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Who is a Sociopath?
Tianny C Salazar
Iona College

Who Is A Sociopath?
“Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others” (National Library of Medicine, 1999). This is commonly resulting in criminal behavior. When we hear the word sociopath or psychopath we automatically register the names of Ted Bundy or that of Charles Manson, who were both American criminals and murderers. However they could actually be our friends, neighbors, or even family. Some of the popular representations of a sociopath can be conflicting, ranging from uncommonly impulsive and violent criminal offenders to corporate figures who callously and skillfully maneuver their way to the highest rungs of the social ladder. (Lykken, 1957)
Many people argue that sociopaths are born sociopathic rather than molded into one. Who is what many doctors and criminologist call a sociopath? A sociopath is a person with a personality disorder, manifesting in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior. Sociopaths are sometimes referred to as a psychopath. Doctors argue whether there is really a difference between the two and many support the notion that there in fact is separate identifying traits. A lack of conscience can be seen through a sociopath’s behavior which includes their lack of remorse for others or their actions. In The Sociopath Next Door, Stout (2005) states that at least four percent of the United States is sociopathic. Sociopaths can be seen in every type of environment. Canegmi and Pfohl (2008) describe the behavior of a Sociopath in a leadership role. The article includes examples from the industrial, academic, and non-profit organization world. I questioned, how early sociopathic behavior can be identified. And linked to the cogency that the identifying

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