Professional Documents
Culture Documents
•Machiavellianism
Topics of •Sociopath
Discussion •Psychopath
•Borderline Personality
01
Machiavellianism
● Machiavellianism refers to a
psychological trait characterized by
manipulative and cunning behavior, a
strategic focus on self-interest, and a
willingness to deceive or exploit
others to achieve personal goals.
• While it is not possible to definitively
determine if someone is Machiavellian
based solely on observation, there are
certain signs and behaviors that may
suggest Machiavellian tendencies.
Origin of the
concept
Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527)
Jinnah's
Machiavellian
approach
Realpolitik and Strategic Calculations
Sociopath
● A sociopath, also known as someone with
antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), is a
term used to describe an individual who
consistently displays a disregard for the rights
and feelings of others.
● Sociopathy is a complex psychological
condition characterized by a pattern of
manipulative, deceitful, and exploitative
behavior, along with a lack of empathy and
remorse."
Origin of the
concept
The concept of sociopathy has evolved over time, and its
origins can be traced back to the field of psychiatry and
criminology.
Durkheim used the term to describe individuals who were "social failures"
and lacked the ability to integrate into society. He believed that societal
factors played a significant role in the development of sociopathic behavior.
Antisocial Personality Disorder:
• The concept of sociopathy has since been incorporated into
the diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder
(ASPD).
• The term "sociopath" is no longer formally recognized in the
DSM-5, which is the current diagnostic reference used by
mental health professionals.
• Instead, the DSM-5 uses the term "antisocial personality
disorder" to describe a similar set of behaviors and traits.
Core Concepts
Genetic Factors
•There is evidence to suggest that genetic factors play
a role in the development of antisocial behavior.
Studies have shown a higher prevalence of ASPD
among individuals with a family history of the
disorder, indicating a genetic predisposition.
•Certain genetic variations may contribute to traits
such as impulsivity, low empathy, and a reduced
ability to regulate emotions, which are commonly
observed in sociopaths.
Neurobiological Factors
•Research suggests that abnormalities in brain structure
and function may contribute to sociopathic behavior.
Areas of the brain involved in emotional processing,
decision-making, and empathy, such as the prefrontal
cortex and amygdala, may show differences in individuals
with ASPD.
•Reduced activity in these regions and deficits in
neurotransmitter systems like serotonin and dopamine
have been implicated in the impaired emotional and
behavioral regulation seen in sociopaths.
Environmental Factors
•Environmental factors, particularly during early
development, can also influence the development of
sociopathic behavior.
•Childhood experiences such as neglect, abuse, inconsistent
parenting, and exposure to violence can increase the risk
of developing antisocial traits.
•Growing up in an environment with limited social support,
disrupted attachments, and a lack of positive role models
may contribute to the formation of maladaptive behaviors.
Cognitive and Emotional Factors
• Some cognitive and emotional characteristics
associated with sociopathy, such as a lack of
empathy, impulsivity, and a reduced ability to
experience guilt or remorse, may contribute to
the pathological behavior.
• Sociopaths often have a distorted view of others'
emotions and intentions, leading to a disregard
for social norms and the well-being of others.
How to Identify
Lack of Empathy
Charles Sobhraj
Charles Sobhraj,
He operated in
known as the Sobhraj's
the 1970s and
"Bikini Killer" or charismatic
was believed to
the "Serpent," personality and
have committed
was a notorious ability to
several murders
serial killer and manipulate
across Asia,
conman of others made him
including in
Indian and a high-profile
India, Thailand,
Vietnamese criminal.
and Nepal.
descent
Examples in India
Veerappan
• Veerappan, whose full name was Koose Munisamy
Veerappan Gounder, was a notorious Indian bandit
and smuggler who operated primarily in the forests
of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Ankahee
(2006)
Shekhar, a married man, falls
for Kavya, an actress, and
abandons his family for her.
However, later, he realises
that Kavya is mentally
unstable and that he made a
mistake by leaving his family.
Examples in India
Fatal Attraction
(1987)
Ria meets with Jai, a photographer from
Style Magazine, she models and is very
attracted to him. She tells her dad that she
wants to get married and goes to Jai's
house to get him to meet her dad. When
she finds out that he is already married to
a woman named Geeta, and very much in
love with her. Ria, unable to get Jai out of
her mind, obsesses over him - and decides
that he and she are meant for each other -
and sets about to carry her task - to force
Jai to accept her - by hook or by crook.
01
Psychopath
● The term "psychopath" is often used colloquially
to describe individuals who engage in violent or
criminal behavior or exhibit a lack of empathy.
However, in the field of psychology, the term
"psychopath" is not officially recognized as a
diagnostic category.
● Instead, the term "psychopathy" is sometimes
used to refer to a specific set of personality traits
and behaviors associated with Antisocial
Personality Disorder (ASPD) in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
key
characteristics
of psychopaths
Psychopaths are often very
Superficial charming and intelligent.
charm and They are able to manipulate
intelligence others to get what they
want.
Psychopaths do not feel
Lack of
empathy for others. They
empathy and
also do not feel remorse for
remorse
their actions.
Psychopaths are often
Callousness callous and indifferent to
the suffering of others.
Psychopaths are often very
Glibness glib and can talk their way
out of trouble.
Psychopaths have a
grandiose sense of self-
Grandiose
worth. They believe that
sense of self-
they are better than others
worth
and that they deserve
special treatment.
Psychopaths are often
Pathological pathological liars. They lie
lying for no reason and often
don’t get caught in their lies.
Psychopaths are very
manipulative. They are able
Manipulative
to manipulate others to get
what they want.
Psychopaths are often risk-
takers. They do not think
Risk-taking
about the consequences of
their actions.
Psychopaths often have a
need for stimulation. They
Need for
are bored easily and need to
stimulation
constantly be doing
something.
Psychopaths have shallow
Shallow affect. They do not show
affect emotions in the same way
that other people do.
Psychopaths often lack
Lack of long- long-term goals. They are
term goals more interested in the here
and now.
Psychopaths are often
impulsive. They act without
Impulsivity
thinking about the
consequences.
Psychopaths have poor
Poor behavioral controls. They
behavioral often act in ways that are
controls harmful to themselves or
others.
How to
identify
Deceptive Behavior and
Masking
Psychopaths are often skilled at presenting a false
image of themselves to others. They may engage in
deceptive behaviors, such as lying or manipulation, in
order to maintain control or avoid detection. They
can be highly skilled at concealing their true
thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
Lack of Remorse or Guilt
Raman Raghav
Raman Raghav,
Raghav's crimes
also known as He was
and the
"Psycho responsible for a
subsequent
Raman," was an series of brutal
manhunt
infamous serial murders,
became the
killer who targeting
subject of public
operated in homeless people
fascination and
Mumbai in the and beggars.
media attention.
1960s.
Thank You