Narcissist vs Sociopath: Difference and Comparison

Titles like “sociopath” and “narcissist” are used to describe people with different disorders.

Every one of them, nevertheless, is a separate psychological condition with noticeable features that distinguish them apart from one another

Narcissistic personality disorder and sociopathy may share some commonalities. As a result, narcissism, as well as sociopathy, are commonly confused.

Key Takeaways

1. Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy, while sociopaths disregard the law and the rights of others.
2. Narcissists are preoccupied with their appearance and achievements, while sociopaths engage in manipulative behavior and tend to be violent.
3. Narcissists and sociopaths have personality disorders that can cause problems in personal and professional relationships.

Narcissist vs Sociopath

A narcissistic personality disorder is characterised by an inflated sense of self-centredness. It is a mental health condition where the individual lacks empathy, has an exaggerated self-importance and demands attention. A sociopath is an antisocial personality disorder characterised by a lack of moral sense and empathy for others. They are manipulative and disregard the safety of themselves and others.

As opposed to the normal self-centred individual, narcissistic personality disorder sufferers exhibit several distinct characteristics.

An exaggerated feeling of self-importance, the overwhelming demand for praise and attention, difficult connections, and a lack of compassion for others are all symptoms of NPD.

An antisocial personality disorder sufferer is referred to as a “sociopath” (ASPD).

Those who suffer from ASPD are unable to empathize with others’ emotions. Breaking boundaries or making rash decisions is something they do all the time. 

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Narcissist	Sociopath
Self Importance	A Narcissist might be able to put up with a little disagreement from time to time. Despite the fact that they would harm or humiliate people, they still seek their acceptance at some moment in time.	On the other hand, someone who is sociopath-like may have a lesser degree of self-importance.
Aggression	Narcissists may simply act out in a given setting. They are far more intent on reaching their objectives, and as a result, they harm or exploit others in the process.	A sociopath is a person who is composed despite their irrational behavior and who will eventually resort to violence. All of this would be staged for the sole purpose of controlling or manipulating you in some way.
Social Status	Narcissists desire to be seen and to be noticed for the right reasons. Because of this, they ensure that others who are close to them are complimentary of their abilities.	Sociopaths, on the other hand, aren’t afraid to act outside of social norms. They’re always looking for attention, whether it’s good or bad.
Stability	One who is narcissist-centered is content to stay in the same place for a long time.	A sociopath will become bored with their surroundings and seek new delights and adventure.
Awareness	The chances of a narcissist being conscious of their predicament increase. They’re so caught up in their own self-aggrandizement that they don’t care if their acts damage anyone else.	Sociopaths, on the other hand, are a different story. They’re fully cognizant of the acts they’re taking and the possible outcomes of those actions.

What is Narcissist?

As opposed to the normal self-centred individual, narcissistic personality disorder sufferers exhibit several distinct characteristics.

An exaggerated feeling of self-importance, the overwhelming demand for praise and attention, difficult connections, and a lack of compassion for others are all symptoms of NPD.

Individuals with NPD are likely to have a skewed self-image and be overly focused on themselves, which contributes to their lack of compassion— they are just uninterested in other people’s emotions.

Young people and young adults are most susceptible to it, and the causes that build up to it are undoubtedly complicated.

A mix of genetics, neurobiology (meaning how and why the brain operates and how it impacts thoughts and behaviour), and surroundings are likely to be responsible for it. NPD cannot be diagnosed using a specific test. 

Also, narcissists might well have difficulty acknowledging that they will have issues, and they may view the typical give-and-take with a counsellor as an accusation.

Treatment can be difficult for this reason. Therapy helps them comprehend how their problematic behaviour affects those around them if they start going to it and persist with it.

What is Sociopath?

An antisocial personality disorder sufferer is referred to as a “sociopath” (ASPD). Those who suffer from ASPD are unable to empathize with others’ emotions.

Breaking boundaries or making rash decisions is something they do all the time. 

Friends, relatives, co-workers, and sometimes even strangers might be manipulated by ASPD patients by playing “psychological games.”

They could also be viewed as attractive or charming, depending on their personality. It is a type of personality disorder defined by a tendency to engage in persistently unpleasant behaviour patterns.

A person with ASPD, according to the current version of the Diagnostic and Manual Of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), regularly disregards others’ emotions or violates their rights.

ASPD sufferers may not be aware of their behaviour. They may go their entire adult lives without ever being diagnosed with a serious illness.

The differences between sociopaths and psychopaths aren’t clinically discernible. The two names are used interchangeably when referring to people who have ASPD.

They’re commonly utilized indiscriminately in the same sentence.

Main Differences Between Narcissist and Sociopath

1. A Narcissist might be able to put up with a little disagreement from time to time. Despite the fact that they would harm or humiliate people, they still seek their acceptance at some moment in time. On the other hand, someone who is sociopath-like may have a lesser degree of self-importance.
2. Narcissists may simply act out in a given setting. They are far more intent on reaching their objectives, and as a result, they harm or exploit others in the process. A sociopath is a person who is composed despite their irrational behaviour and who will eventually resort to violence. All of this would be staged for the sole purpose of controlling or manipulating you in some way.
3. Narcissists desire to be seen and to be noticed for the right reasons. Because of this, they ensure that others who are close to them are complimentary of their abilities. Sociopaths, on the other hand, aren’t afraid to act outside of social norms. They’re always looking for attention, whether it’s good or bad.
4. One who is narcissist-centred is content to stay in the same place for a long time. A sociopath will become bored with their surroundings and seek new delights and adventure.
5. The chances of a narcissist being conscious of their predicament increase. They’re so caught up in their own self-aggrandizement that they don’t care if their acts damage anyone else. Sociopaths, on the other hand, are a different story. They’re fully cognizant of the actions they’re taking and the possible outcomes of those actions.

References

1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0091651X.1969.10380156
2. https://www.proquest.com/openview/b21758e842fda39165d9f1608a5cebad/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

Last Updated : 30 August, 2023