Today, the terms “narcissism” and “psychopathy” are widespread in society. But, although they run freely among conversation circles, they are very confused by lay people or by people who have not studied them in some depth.
According to researcher and writer Shahida Arabi, in an article published on Thought Catalog, the two have striking differences that need to be better understood so that there is no confusion.
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What is the difference between narcissists and psychopaths? 7 crucial points
Keep reading and discover seven main differences between psychopaths and narcissists.
Narcissists need adoration and validation; psychopaths live life without it
A narcissist's main issue is their constant need for external approval and validation. That is, they need and very much want to have praise, a sense of importance and even adoration. They need others to assert their importance.
On the other hand, the
psychopaths they are very insensitive and not that concerned about what others think. That is, of course, if this is not important to any of your goals.Narcissists lack empathy, while psychopaths have neither empathy nor remorse.
According to the researcher, what makes a psychopath what he actually is may be his lack of remorse and empathy. Therefore, they usually have no “filter” to prevent them from committing sadistic crimes. Narcissists don't either. empathy, but they care a little more about the “after”.
Some of them, the most vulnerable ones, for example, may feel ashamed of what they have done – especially if they are exposed.
Both are angry, aggressive and envious, but…
In both cases, people with traits narcissists or psychopathy can turn to violence and have episodes of extreme anger, according to Arabi. However, psychopaths can "manufacture" a "cold rage" - mostly to intimidate others. It's a feeling that doesn't exist; it is only exposed to control the victims.
Narcissism Can Be Influenced, Psychopathy Not Always
More recent research, according to Shahida Arabi, shows that parental overvaluation may play a more important role than hereditary genes in the development of narcissism. On the contrary, for primary psychopathy it is the opposite.
However, the researcher makes it clear that, for secondary psychopathy, which is more associated with childhood trauma, the environment can indeed influence the severity of the disorder.
Both can manufacture chaos, but only psychopaths see reward in it.
As per research by Dr. Robert Hare, psychopaths are more likely to experience boredom and therefore require constant stimulation. In this way, they even feel a certain pleasure in causing chaos in the lives of the people around them. However, this finding needs further studies.
Secondary psychopaths get more involved in reckless situations
According to the researcher, psychopaths – especially secondary ones – are more impulsive and tend to have “criminal versatility” and probably had some experience with the police when they were young. This is a direct response to moments of impulsiveness, as per Sahida's article.
Primary psychopaths have less anxiety and avoid these types of situations. The same goes for narcissists, who may be more cautious about taking risks that could expose them.
Neither do well in a therapy session.
Recent research, as exposed by the researcher, shows that psychopaths can become even more manipulative with therapy and can even learn to "imitate" empathy. Also, narcissists use space to shine – particularly if it's couples therapy.
Graduated in Social Communication at the Federal University of Goiás. Passionate about digital media, pop culture, technology, politics and psychoanalysis.
