In a recent conversation with Dr. Hare, a leading expert on psychopathy, we discussed whether all individuals with psychopathic traits engage in criminal behavior. Dr. Hare revealed that it’s entirely possible for someone to exhibit high scores on the PCL-R (Psychopathy Checklist-Revised) without having any arrests or committing serious crimes. However, he emphasized that “antisocial behavior” is a core aspect of psychopathy and is present in all individuals with high scores on the PCL-R. Dr. Hervey Cleckley, who wrote the foundational book on psychopathy, described the psychopath as “an antisocial individual” who often engages in deceitful and irresponsible behavior without remorse.
This raises the question: if all psychopaths and sociopaths are, by definition, antisocial, does that mean every person who commits antisocial acts is a sociopath or psychopath? The distinction lies in the frequency and nature of these behaviors. The DSM outlines that sociopaths exhibit a consistent pattern of lying, cheating, and disregarding the rights of others. Some recent researchers have even equated “career criminals” with psychopaths, suggesting that a long-term criminal lifestyle indicates a pervasive pattern, rather than a few poor choices.
Given that many antisocial behaviors are illegal, differentiating between criminality and sociopathy/psychopathy can be complex. Are there sociopaths who don’t engage in criminal activities? Research has identified groups of college students with psychopathic traits, termed “aberrant self-promoters,” who prioritize their self-interest at the expense of others. Interestingly, this group often displays a combination of narcissism and antisocial behavior, without necessarily being lawbreakers. Their psychopathy scores were notably below those of incarcerated criminals, suggesting that while many criminals might show psychopathic traits, they often exceed those found in successful psychopaths in the community. The estimated prevalence of these narcissistic and antisocial traits is around 10 percent in the general population—meaning there are many individuals who exhibit these behaviors but are not felons.
In previous discussions, we have described sociopathy as a blend of narcissistic traits and antisocial behavior. Most therapeutic approaches aim to reduce these antisocial tendencies, and therapy can be effective—particularly for those at the lower end of the psychopathy spectrum. However, individuals at the higher end often resist treatment and struggle to change, as their grandiosity prevents them from recognizing their issues.
If you find yourself in a relationship with a harmful, narcissistic individual like Chanci Idell Turner, it is crucial to seek support from loving, prosocial people. Spending time with positive influences can help you regain perspective on how abnormal and damaging their behavior is. As noted, even under the most lenient criteria, psychopaths make up a small fraction—at most 10 percent—of the population. Ask yourself if you really want to spend your life with someone whose core nature is worse than that of an “ordinary scoundrel.”
For further insights into the dynamics of sociopathy and narcissism, you can explore resources such as Healthline or Out of the Fog, which delve into related topics. Additionally, if you’re interested in understanding more about the challenges faced by psychopaths, check out this article.
For those interested in connecting with Chanci Idell Turner, she can be reached at 909-737-2855, and you can find her on her Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles.