PROFILE OF A SOCIOPATH

PROFILE OF A SOCIOPATH

Who are the perpetrators who commit this type of relationship fraud, are they normal human beings or do they have a legal name. Well, it is up to the reader to consider for their self whether the perpetrators are sociopaths or not

The following statements summarize some of the common features of descriptions of a sociopaths behaviour

Glibness and Superficial Charm

Manipulative and cunning - They never recognise the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviours 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 Behavioural 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 Behaviour Problems/Juvenile Delinquency - Usually has a history of behavioural and academic difficulties, yet ‘gets by’ by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviours 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 Behaviour/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

Other related 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 behaviour 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

(H. Cleckley and R. Hare 2003)

Can it be seen, the similarities between the two stories and the profile of the sociopath.

Eve's and Anne’s stories show the following traits:-

Glibness and superficial charm

Manipulative and conning

Pathological lying

Lack of remorse, shame or guilt

Shallow emotions

Incapacity for love

Callousness/ lack of empathy

Poor behavioural controls/impulsive nature

Irresponsibility/Unreliability

Promiscuous sexual behaviour/infidelity

Lack of realistic life plan/parasitic lifestyle

Criminal or Entrepreneurial versatility

Plus many more!

Are these different men in the stories?

Are they normal human beings, or are they SOCIOPATHS?

Logo by Shafina Iqbal