Researchers are diligently exploring the distinctions in the brains of individuals exhibiting traits of sociopathy or psychopathy. It’s important to clarify that these studies typically focus on sociopathic traits rather than strict psychopathy, as most participants do not score above 30 on the PCL-R test. My own journey into understanding these traits stemmed from the need to effectively raise my son, who was at risk. I categorized these traits into what I call the Inner Triangle, which comprises the Ability to Love, Impulse Control, and Moral Reasoning.
Moral Reasoning and Its Complexities
Moral Reasoning transcends mere logical considerations regarding ethical dilemmas; it encompasses emotions that intertwine with cognitive processes to shape our moral judgments. Scientists are investigating how the emotional and rational aspects of our brains integrate to create moral consciousness, a challenge often referred to as the “hard problem” in psychology. Dr. Jordan Grafman from the National Institutes of Health is a key figure in this research area. Notably, Brazilian researchers Jorge Moll and Ricardo de Oliveira-Souza collaborated with him to develop the Event-Feature-Emotion Complex Framework (EFEC), which they outlined in their 2005 study, The Neural Basis Of Human Moral Cognition published in Nature Reviews of Neuroscience.
In essence, their theory illustrates how our perceptions of events, motivations, and learned rules converge in the mind through a process known as “binding.” During this binding process, specific brain regions activate simultaneously, indicating a synchronous electrical rhythm among the neurons involved. It is suggested that this process may be disrupted in individuals with sociopathic traits.
Findings on Psychopathy and Moral Cognition
Upon returning to Brazil, Dr. Moll applied the EFEC theory to psychopathy and published findings in Psychopathy as a disorder of the moral brain, where he observed reduced grey matter in regions of the brain responsible for moral cognition among subjects with sociopathic traits. Interestingly, a correlation was noted between the extent of sociopathic traits and the degree of grey matter reduction. However, it’s worth mentioning that many of these individuals also struggled with substance use disorders.
While the challenges surrounding the Ability to Love and Impulse Control in sociopathy have been widely discussed, the deficits in Moral Reasoning deserve more attention. Importantly, the presence of diminished grey matter in the moral reasoning network does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It remains unclear whether the moral reasoning deficits observed in sociopaths are irreversible. Brain regions can shrink due to disuse, and the phenomenon of brain plasticity suggests that usage can lead to growth. Research indicates that engaging the brain can result in increased grey matter, whereas conditions like depression can contribute to its loss. This raises the question of whether the reduced grey matter in sociopaths is a result of seldom using their moral faculties.
The Potential for Change
Despite the general consensus that sociopaths exhibit minimal potential for change, I believe it is unproductive to despair over a group that may comprise 10-15% of our younger and middle-aged populations. While Dr. Hare’s categorization of psychopaths as hopeless may hold for the 1% of the population they represent, many individuals possess significant sociopathic traits. It is essential to investigate treatment options for sociopathy thoroughly.
In my work Driven to Do Evil, I reflected on the nature of evil in our world, distinguishing between those who lack moral emotions and those who possess empathy and guilt yet still choose to do harm. The latter group likely constitutes a significant portion of those who commit evil acts, as they can suppress their moral emotions to achieve their aims. This repeated suppression could potentially lead to the atrophy of their moral brain.
Reflecting on the Nature of Evil
I urge you to consider which form of evil is more troubling: that perpetrated by someone who consciously suppresses their guilt and empathy, or that committed by someone devoid of any moral emotions throughout their adult life. Is it not more alarming when individuals willingly stifle their compassion for personal gain and power? This pattern of suppression could be a root cause of sociopathy for many.
Further Resources
For those seeking further insights into this topic, consider exploring resources like Out of the Fog for expert information on treatment, or Healthy Place for a comprehensive look at sociopathy in relationships. Additionally, if you’re looking to discuss these dynamics further, you can reach out to Chanci Idell Turner at 909-737-2855, or visit her Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages for more information.