What distinguishes a psychopath from a narcissist? Based on who you ask, there are many different answers to this complex dilemma.
Though there are numerous similarities between the behavior of a psychopath and a narcissist, these two concepts are distinct from one another.
Psychopaths are more cold-blooded and care nothing for the suffering or well-being of others. They most likely enjoy performing their acts. The difference between narcissists and psychopaths is that their activities are typically directed at self-inflation, and whatever harm they cause others is typically due to them achieving some sort of purpose.
This article will outline the differences between the two and explain how to determine whether you are dealing with a narcissist or a psychopath.
2 Responses
Very good article! I am a mother of a daughter who from birth exhibited very unusual behavior. BY the time she was 3 y/o the highly respected nursery school she attended called me in for an interview. She was very concerned that my daughter was ‘extremely manipulative’ and would cause problems even in my marriage. She was right and my daughter continued to hurt people with no concern for the hurt she caused them. I took her to therapists but she new exactly how to behave properly so her mental health was left for me to deal with. My discipline was never effective. When I asked her one time if she had learned to reason for it she merely stated that ‘she would do it the same way all over again’. I am glad I never used physical discipline as I surmised it would encourage her to become physically abusive. As an adult she did punch a hole in a wall when arguing with a boyfriend and attempted to strike a puppy for peeing on the floor. I was there and protected the puppy but do not know how she was when I was not around. I finally told her at age 38 that I could no longer accept her damaging me, lying about me and enjoying the pain she caused me. I told her I would no longer communicate with her. I thought (hoped) she would apologize for all the hurt she caused me but I never heard from her again. That was 20 years ago! I have and never did have a daughter. She never loved me or showed me love in any way. I cannot deny that I have cried many tears over her. a true psychopath, and I pray for the Lord to heal her. I am 79 years old and disabled but I have no child to love me. I am not the only person she has hurt. So many have been attacked by her in numerous ways. She denies and laughs at what she has done. My mother’s heart aches for the baby that never loved me—ever.
It was very informative 👍. Thank you