Sociopaths account for about 4 percent of the U.S. population, which is 1 in every 25 people. Like most mental health conditions, sociopathy—or antisocial personality disorder (ASP)—exists across a spectrum, so then not all sociopath are serial killers. This is good (of course) because it suggests that there are less murderers on the loose, but it also means that sociopaths can be difficult to identify.
Most people miss the signs that they’re dealing with a sociopath and are therefore manipulated. Anyone can be a target, so read through our tips below to learn how to stop sociopaths before the attack.
Recognize the signs
Be mindful because sociopaths can be gifted at getting their targets to overlook the warning signs. These can include:
- Masters of deception and manipulation
- Fast talkers
- Playing the victim
- Seekers of revenge
- Dominating personality
- Lack of empathy
- Impulsivity and risky behavior
If that doesn’t work, use the WEB method
The three-step method professionals recommend using to quickly size up whether someone has sociopathic traits is called The WEB Method℠, which stands for their WORDS, your EMOTIONS and their BEHAVIOR.
- Their words
- Be wary of a person’s use of “extremes”—extremely positive words, extremely negative words, or switching between extreme charm and extreme threats.
- Your emotions
- Channel into how you feel about the person, and trust your gut. Take heed of intense emotions like fear, infatuation and extreme sympathy.
- Their behavior
- It’s easier to spot a sociopath when you ignore their words and stay focused on their behavior. Heed extreme behavior that 90 percent of people would never do, especially if it’s quickly covered up with excuses. Sociopaths consider themselves blameless and rarely say they’re sorry unless they’re caught and an apology will make them look good.
Disengage
Many sociopaths end up focused on what psychologists refer to as “Targets of Blame”—people who they feel justified in treating cruelly—and actually enjoy making these people suffer. The people that sociopaths keep bullying are ones who stay engaged, either by getting aggressive in return or showing fear and frustration. Instead, it’s wiser to calmly disengage with a sociopath, than to give them the power of your emotions.
Resist the urge to talk it out
You can’t handle a sociopath like you would someone without a personality disorder. When you interact with a sociopath, keep your guard up. Resist the temptation to reasonably talk it out or try to change the person.
Put up your guard
If the person is unavoidable (like a caretaker or a boss), don’t let a sociopath see you in a vulnerable situation. Showing real emotions can make you a target since the sociopath will think you can be easily manipulated.
Be skeptical
Don’t always trust what’s said. Be aware that sociopaths might lie, play victim or flatter for the sake of getting what they want.
Never share personal info and do not become indebted
You don’t want a sociopath holding anything over you. Neither let them know things that can be used against you nor do anything that the sociopath could use later to control you.
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/5-types-people-who-can-ruin-your-life/201803/are-you-the-target-sociopath-part-i-2
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/5-types-people-who-can-ruin-your-life/201803/how-spot-sociopath-in-3-steps
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3771514/
http://www.health.com/mind-body/sociopath-traits
