The terms "psychopath" and "sociopath" are often used interchangeably, and there is some confusion surrounding their definitions. Historically, these terms were used to describe different manifestations of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), but in the current diagnostic literature, both are covered under the term "Antisocial Personality Disorder" in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).
That said, the distinction you mentioned is sometimes made colloquially, but it's essential to understand that there is no universally agreed-upon or scientifically validated differentiation between psychopaths and sociopaths within the clinical and diagnostic communities.
The nature versus nurture debate is an ongoing topic in psychology and psychiatry when discussing the development of personality disorders, including antisocial personality traits. While it is believed that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of personality traits and disorders, the exact causes are complex and not fully understood.
Some theories suggest that psychopathy may have a stronger genetic or biological basis, with certain brain abnormalities or differences in brain functioning being observed in individuals with psychopathic traits. On the other hand, sociopathy is often linked to adverse environmental factors such as childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse that could contribute to the development of antisocial behaviors.
It's important to note that both psychopathy and sociopathy (if using the colloquial definitions) are personality disorders that involve a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. The focus should be on understanding and addressing the behaviors and their impact, rather than trying to differentiate between psychopaths and sociopaths. If you encounter someone with concerning behavior or believe they may have a personality disorder, it's best to encourage them to seek professional help from a qualified mental health provider.