It might make them cruel but it definitely doesn't make them a sociopath.
I think it's dangerous when people throw around terms like that to people they DO NOT apply to so haphazardly. When you label behavior that is clearly not up to the level of a sociopath as such, you can cause people to be more dismissive of actual sociopathic behavior.
What is the Definition of a Sociopath?
The DSM-5 defines antisocial personality disorder as "[a] pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three (or more) of the following:
1. Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors, as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest.
2. Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.
3. Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead.
4. Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults.
5. Reckless disregard for safety of self or others.
6. Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations.
7. Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another."
It's important to note that sociopathic children do not exist as a person cannot be diagnosed as a socipath until age 18. While the patterns of behavior and personality traits exist prior to adulthood, until then, a child may be diagnosed with conduct disorder, but he can't be defined as a sociopath.
First off, being that they are both minors, they cannot be defined as sociopaths. But even if they were not minors,neither qualifies under the definition.
1. There is no evidence that other than this one incident that either Ethan or Sean have engaged in REPEATED actions that are grounds for arrest. And no, you can't say they did repeated things to Grainey. That would be one incident.
2. They weren't deceitful either. They pretty much told everyone exactly what they were doing.
3. They definitely had the ability to plan ahead and it was shown by the very nature of the project itself.
4. There was no unusual irritability or aggressiveness from either boy. They argued occasionally but no more than anyone else.
5. They did not show reckless disregard for their own safety. If they did, Ethan would not have tried to hide from Grainey. Sean was extremely concerned about his own safety as well. Their project, which was absolutely awful, was not designed to compromise Grainey's safety. In fact, Ethan was very concerned when Grainey was freezing in the house. Their project was cruel, but hardly a deliberate attempt to compromise the man's safety.
6 There was absolutely no indication that their irresponsible in regards to their work or financial obligations. They, in fact, showed extreme dedication to their work, especially Ethan.
7. Ethan MAY not be remorseful, but Sean definitely was.
So, no, 3 or more of these criteria did NOT apply to either boy. So by definition, they were not sociopaths.
They were two kids who did something incredibly stupid that had consequences that were severe but were not intended. That doesn't make them sociopaths.
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