Psychopaths and Anger: Separating Misunderstandings and Reality

Many people believe that psychopaths cannot get angry. This misconception stems from the common misunderstanding that psychopaths are impervious to emotional responses, especially anger. However, the reality is more nuanced. Psychopaths do feel anger, but their reactions to triggering events differ from those of the general population.

The Misconception

When people say that psychopaths can’t get angry, they often mean that psychopaths are hard to provoke into an angry response. This is not because psychopaths are devoid of emotions, but rather that they have a higher threshold for what sets them off.

Understanding Psychopathic Emotions

Psychopaths can get angry, and it is one of their strongest emotions. However, what sets them apart is the difficulty they have in being impetuously angered by trivial matters. Consider the following:

A psychopath won't become angry if someone calls them an idiot, a fag, or an asshole, or if they are labeled as a murderer or child molester. Instead, they might offer a lecture on the meaning of these terms but won't lose their composure. This high threshold for being angered is a key aspect of many psychopathic traits.

Anger and Control

Despite the belief that psychopaths can't get angry, they can and do experience anger, but it is often controllable and rational. The exact nature of this anger can vary among psychopaths:

Anger and Controllability:
Psychopaths can get angry, but they understand that this anger should be directed and controlled. For example, if someone were to harm a loved one, a psychopath would be furious and may act aggressively but with a conscious control over their actions. They can remain in a state of anger where they are still thinking logically and understanding the situation, and they can calm down once the situation is addressed.

Rage vs. Anger:
True rage is a state of mind where an individual loses complete control and is unable to think rationally. A psychopath would be hesitant to allow their anger to reach this extreme, as it would destabilize their perception of the world around them. For a psychopath, anger is a tool, and maintaining control is essential.

Common Emotional Reactions

Not all psychopaths react in the same way to anger-inducing events. The majority of high-functioning psychopaths experience anger in a controllable manner. However, this does not mean that all psychopaths follow this pattern. Here are a few common emotional reactions:

Getting Easily Annoyed:
Even psychopaths can get easily annoyed about minor inconveniences such as a missing sweater or an empty fridge. These annoyances do not linger long, making them more of a fleeting irritation rather than a deep-seated anger.

Experiencing Rage:
True rage, as described in the initial statement, is an uncontrollable and irrational state. Psychopaths generally avoid this state, as it would be detrimental to their ability to function and maintain control over their environment.

Impulsivity and Rage

Some high-functioning psychopaths may experience rage or easily get angered, especially if they have higher levels of impulsivity. However, these experiences are not universal. The exact nature of these reactions can vary depending on the individual and their specific upbringing and psychological makeup.

Expert Opinion:
Psychopathy is a complex condition, and understanding its manifestations requires further research and expert analysis. While some individuals may experience uncontrollable rage, it is not a defining characteristic of all psychopaths.

Conclusion

In conclusion, psychopaths do experience anger. However, their emotional responses to triggers are often more controlled and rational than those of the general population. The misconception that psychopaths cannot get angry stems from a misunderstanding of the complexity of psychopathic emotions. By recognizing this reality, we can better understand and approach the nuanced nature of psychopathic behavior.