Wednesday, June 16, 2010

'The Sociopath Next Door'

[Dr.] Stout says that as many as 4% of the population are conscienceless sociopaths who have no empathy or affectionate feelings for humans or animals.

As Stout explains, a sociopath is defined as someone who displays at least three of seven distinguishing characteristics, such as deceitfulness, impulsivity and a lack of remorse.

Such people often have a superficial charm, which they exercise ruthlessly in order to get what they want. Stout argues that the development of sociopathy is due half to genetics and half to nongenetic influences that have not been clearly identified.

Source:
From Publisher's Weekly (Amazon.com)

5 comments:

jerri said...

could it be that we know where 31/2% of the 4% of the sociopaths are hanging out? court house halls? could it be they are whispering to their bud judges about emergency hearings for guardianships based on fraud? temporary guardians and conservators end up with full powers in secret hearings its nothing but a money grab folks so hang on to your wallets and watch your back

Anonymous said...

What makes you think it's only emergency hearings. Judge John F. Malone in Union County NJ just drags out guardianships to run up bills and never let's the alleged ward talk.

Betty said...

Sociopaths are a common theme in guardianship. I believe most family feuds involve a sociopath.

Mark said...

This looks like an interesting book and I'll be glad to read it.

Anonymous said...

Just think how many sociopaths there are at a big sports gathering, like a football game.

Scary.