Psychopath vs. Sociopath Quiz

Sociopathy and psychopathy are closely related personality traits that can both result in antagonistic attitudes and disruptive behaviors, but there are subtle differences between the two. Could you distinguish between a psychopath and a sociopath? Test your knowledge here.

1. Whose behavior is thought to be more closely linked to genetic factors, rather than environmental ones?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

2. Which condition has a formal scale associated with it and is known to exist on a spectrum?

Psychopathy Sociopathy Both

3. Who is more likely to lack the capacity for empathy?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

4. Who is very likely to start displaying antisocial tendencies—meaning tendencies that are disruptive to social norms and disrespectful of others’ rights—before 18 years of age?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

5. Who is likely to have their condition formally labeled as such by a mental health professional?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

6. Who is more likely to achieve career success?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

7. Who can form attachments to other people?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

8. Who might display narcissistic or egocentric traits?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

9. Who may be more likely to avoid detection?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

10. Who is likely to engage in many short-term sexual relationships?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

11. Who is more likely to have a moral compass?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

12. Who is unlikely to seek out treatment for their behavior, unless compelled to do so?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

13. Who may show a disregard for their own safety or the safety of others?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

14. Who is likely to stay cool in a crisis?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both

15. Who may leech off others or engage in a “parasitic” lifestyle?

Psychopaths Sociopaths Both