Should sociopaths parent

Answer 1

No, sociopaths by definition are incapable of loving...


Sociopaths usually neglect or even abuse their children, because they are not able to form attachments to any other human beings if not treated.

Crippled as they are neurologically, sociopaths are yet shrewd, and they're always looking out for themselves in a way similar to that of a loner predator. Seeing others like them actually benefiting from treatment will have to start persuading them that there's something to gain in going for help after all. Not being rejected or met with "We can't help you; you're evil incarnate," or the equivalent thinly disguised in euphemistic psychology jargon; NOT being met with a situation where they'd have to substitute symptoms of an "acceptable" illness in place of those they bear in secret -- that would almost certainly, if gradually, have an effect: if a sociopath can clearly see a benefit coming from admitting his or her real situation, there's nothing to stop him or her from doing just that.

It's already started to happen, if in a tiny, barely perceptible trickle.

Right now, all science has at the ready for them is to use various types of preexisting medication given in attempts to counteract the chaotic way the brain of a sociopath functions. That and types of talk therapy carefully altered to avoid the pitfalls that have in the past caused regular therapies to make sociopaths worse instead of better. But the more that scientists such as Robert Hare and his colleagues delve into and experiment with the new types of brain scans and learning what makes sociopaths tick like human bombs, the more likely that it becomes with each passing year that a means will soon be isolated to defuse those bombs.

The primary source of a sociopath's infamous rage is frustration, of a sort so alien and so extreme that almost no one else can understand what it means. Once they start getting taken seriously, that frustration, and the wild rage it provokes, will lessen, and since it is a primary source of the constant distrust that makes regular therapy fail sociopaths, the defusing of that rage and its maddening causes will be a huge step in the right direction.

And that will benefit everyone involved.

That's basically the whole world!

Some newer studies indicate that the real total of psychopaths (for both genders) is FOUR percent of the population.

Two books just out, Martha Stout's "The Sociopath Next Door" and Robert Hare, PhD.'s "Without Conscience," are very informative and readable, if disturbing.

A sociopath is a person who, usually due to a congenital brain disorder but sometimes due to trauma to the brain suffered after birth, cannot process emotional information the way other people do. The resulting lack of connection to other people, and the terrible frustration this brings, are the reasons for the behavior of a sociopath.

The two books mentioned tell a lot, but they do not tell everything. On the internet there are actually blogs by diagnosed sociopaths aimed at getting other people to try to grasp what is going on with them.

Sociopaths understand intellectually (cognitively) what they cannot understand emotionally. So, depending how you look at it, they do not KNOW the harm they do, but they are aware of it in the most detached and unemotional sense.

Answer 2

Definations were found on: http://www.medterms.com/

Sociopath: A term once used for someone with what is now called antisocial personality disorder.

Antisocial personality disorder: A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others and inability or unwillingness to conform to what are considered to be the norms of society.

The disorder involves a history of chronic antisocial behavior that begins before the age of 15 and continues into adulthood. The disorder is manifested by a pattern of irresponsible and antisocial behavior as indicated by academic failure, poor jobperformance, illegal activities, recklessness, and impulsive behavior. Symptoms may include dysphoria, an inability to tolerate boredom, feeling victimized, and a diminished capacity for intimacy.

Antisocial personality disorder, also known as psychopathic personality or sociopathic personality often brings a person into conflict with society as a consequence of a pattern of behavior that is amoral and unethical. Complications that might arise from having this disorder include: frequent imprisonment for unlawful behavior, alcoholismand drug abuse.

Samson may, it is thought, have had antisocial personality disorder. The Bible tells of his lies to his parents, his cruelty to animals, his torching the Philistine fields, his frequent brawls, and his unremitting bragging after killing a thousand men, actions fitting the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. A person with antisocial personality disorder was once called a sociopath

So to answer your question, it would be very rare for a true sociopath to love anyone even their own offspring.

Answer 3

I have been diagnosed as sociopathic, and admit I share many traits with holders of the condition, but I take offense in assuming a sociopath can't be a good parent. For one thing, I am constantly trying to avoid the mistakes of my parents. Another thing is I recognize my responsibility to my child, even if my psychological state is often at odds with such responsibility. Lastly, most parents already think of their children as extensions of themselves; we sociopaths benefit from the additional knowledge that we aren't and parent accordingly.

Answer 4

Yes, it is possible for a sociopath to love their children, depending on the context of the word love. The person can in effect care for their children, but showing the genuine emotion of love is a bit more difficult to come by. A sociopath who does not actually display true love for a person 100% of the time can only simulate the emotion and effects of it towards a child through what they have experienced love for another person as or gathered data on the subject. But the fact that a genuine love beyond caring about the person and having a specific attachment to them is non existent.

Answer 5

Sociopaths are incapable of love.

Answer 6

NO, definitely not!