Both psychopathy and sociopathy fall under the broader category of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). While there are similarities between psychopathy and sociopathy, they are not precisely the same, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in colloquial language but not in clinical settings.
Regarding eye contact, it's important to note that individual behavior can vary significantly within any given disorder or personality type. Some psychopaths and sociopaths may avoid eye contact, while others may not exhibit this behavior.
Avoiding eye contact can be a characteristic sometimes associated with certain individuals on the antisocial spectrum, but it's not a universal trait. There are several reasons why some individuals, regardless of their personality type or mental health condition, may avoid making eye contact:
Social discomfort: Avoiding eye contact can stem from social anxiety or discomfort, which is not exclusive to psychopathy or sociopathy.
Deception: Some individuals may avoid eye contact because they believe it can make it more challenging for others to detect their lies or deceitful behavior.
Emotional detachment: In some cases, individuals on the antisocial spectrum may experience difficulty connecting emotionally with others, leading to less eye contact.
Cultural factors: Eye contact norms can vary across cultures, and some individuals may avoid eye contact due to cultural upbringing rather than any personality trait.
It's crucial to avoid generalizing or making assumptions about individuals based solely on the presence of a particular personality disorder. Not all people with ASPD will avoid eye contact, and not everyone who avoids eye contact has ASPD or any other mental health condition. Each person is unique, and it's essential to consider the full range of behaviors and characteristics before making any judgments or assessments.