Can someone become a sociopath after the age of 14?

I was recently asked this question, no doubt by someone trying to figure out the extent to which selfish people can be held accountable for the way they use and manipulate others. The question is an important one, as we are surrounded by selfish people, some more profoundly selfish than others. And, likely, the person was also wrestling with the question about how people become sociopaths. I responded as follows:

A: Having spent 11+ yrs working on the psychology staff of a state prison, here are some of my clinical observations and conclusions.

1. Sociopathy is not induced by trauma or any organic-related issues. Though some sociopaths may have experienced trauma, and some may have organic issues (e.g. genuine cases of ADHD), that is not the reason why someone becomes adept at taking advantage of someone with little compunction.

2. Sociopathy is not the result of genetic make-up or predisposition. Though we call enduring maladaptive personality traits “Personality Disorders, there is no indication or evidence that a sociopath inherited a disposition toward taking advantage of others. Selfishness and the propensity toward manipulating others for personal benefit or gain is a propensity we are all born with and must devote our lives keeping that in check.

3. Sociopaths are not necessarily Antisocial Personality Disordered people, but ASPD individuals can be sociopathic. By clinical definition, ASPD necessitates difficulty with others, especially with others in positions of authority, societal norms and expectations, a failure to follow through on normal responsibilities, and usually are characterized by impulsivity and poor frustration tolerance. Most sociopaths are actually quite adept at fitting in with societal norms and expectations, are able to work in jobs where they have supervisors, usually have few, if any, run-ins with the law, and are quite self-controlled.

4. Neither nature or nurture are the cause of sociopathy. Though we all can appreciate how environment and family of origin dynamics shape us in terms of contributing to our perspective toward God, life, and people, those are not the final determining factor or influence. Simply put, sociopathy is the result of repeated choices to manipulate others for your own advantage, while becoming ever resistant to the voice of your conscience. Over time, and with enough practice, the sociopath becomes adept at “the art of the deal,” “how to swim with the sharks without being eaten,” and artfully avoid ever really being pinned down by commitments in his or her personal life.  

5. Sociopathy is fancy psychobabble for the skilled and artful ability to use and manipulate others without guilt. A sociopath is different from a psychopath, in that the sociopath will stop, opt out, change course, and even reverse course in order to ensure he comes out in a better position than when he started. As the song goes, he knows when to hold ‘em, knows when to fold ‘em, knows when to walk away, and knows when to run.”

6. Someone can become a sociopath at any age, as the sociopath is one who essentially has given himself or herself permission to “look out for #1,” while avoiding listening to their conscience along the way. Instead of loving people and using things, they love things and use people. Their guiding principle is “It’s all about me.” And, their guiding philosophy is “To thine own self be true,” which inevitable means that they will ensure their own happiness, even if it means they have to work the system and others to obtain their divine right of self-satisfaction.

So, yes, someone can become a sociopath after the age of 14. But, the likelihood is that the seeds of sociopathy were planted much earlier than that, but just took a little longer to sprout.


Note: Jon is available for "personal consulting" by phone at: https://clarity.fm/jonuhler.  
Personal consulting is not a substitution for personal therapy, but can be a great alternative for those who need some advise or help without the need of seeking out professional therapy. The fee is per minute, so no long-term counseling costs.