It's essential to clarify that the terms "psychopath" and "sociopath" are not official diagnoses in the field of psychology. Instead, they are more colloquial terms often used to describe individuals who exhibit certain antisocial or manipulative behaviors. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), these traits are typically associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).
People with ASPD or traits commonly associated with psychopathy or sociopathy may have difficulty experiencing emotions in the same way as neurotypical individuals. They often display a lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt, which can make it challenging for them to feel or express emotions like sadness or regret in the typical sense.
If someone with ASPD or similar traits were to find out that they fit the description of a psychopath or sociopath (terms often used informally), their reaction would likely depend on the individual and their level of self-awareness. Some possibilities include:
Indifference or Disinterest: Due to their reduced capacity for empathy, they might not be emotionally affected by such a revelation and may not see it as a significant concern.
Defensiveness: Some individuals may react defensively, denying or rationalizing their traits to protect their self-image.
Curiosity or Intrigue: Some individuals might be curious about the label and try to understand how it relates to their behavior and experiences.
Emotional Confusion: If the individual possesses some level of insight or self-awareness, they might experience confusion or internal conflict about their emotions and their diagnosis.
Adopting a Mask: In some cases, individuals might feign emotions or mimic the expected response, but this would likely be in a calculated manner to manipulate others rather than genuine emotional expression.
It's important to note that while some people with ASPD or psychopathic traits may lack empathy and remorse, others might have varying degrees of emotional capacity. The way they respond to such a revelation would likely depend on a combination of their individual personality, upbringing, and level of self-awareness.