What Is Sociopathic Behavior?
Sociopathic behavior (i.e., anti-social behavior) describes personally traits involving a carelessness toward others' safety and frequent conflict with authority. Sociopathic behavior also involves an inaccurate and excessive appraisal of self-worth contributing to an extreme sense of entitlement. According to psych.org, sociopathic behavior is a personality disorder.
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Narcissism
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The needs, wants and goals are of paramount importance to a sociopath, trumping the needs of others. Sociopathic behavior may involve breaking the law to satisfy one's agenda. Ultimately, narcissistic behavior often leads to an inability to maintain healthy long-term relationships.
Lack of Empathy
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Lack of empathy toward the misfortune, discomfort and suffering of others is common. In addition to environmental causes, genetic factors may prevent a sociopath's brain from processing the emotional state of others.
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Persistent Lying
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Frequent lying and refusing to participate in another's agenda unless it's directly beneficial to their own are distinctive themes associated with sociopathic behavior.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of sociopathic behavior include but are not limited to failure to pursue long-term goals, persistent conflict with the law, childhood history of behavioral problems and substance abuse.
The Macdonald Triad
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J.M. Macdonald's publication "The Threat to Kill" theorized that three significant childhood themes for predicting sociopathic behavior in adults: obsession with fire starting, cruelty toward animals and bed wetting.
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