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The Sociopath Next Door Hardcover – February 8, 2005

4.5 out of 5 stars 3,442 ratings
3.8 on Goodreads
35,518 ratings

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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

[Dr.] Stout says that as many as 4% of the population are conscienceless sociopaths who have no empathy or affectionate feelings for humans or animals. As Stout (The Myth of Sanity) explains, a sociopath is defined as someone who displays at least three of seven distinguishing characteristics, such as deceitfulness, impulsivity and a lack of remorse. Such people often have a superficial charm, which they exercise ruthlessly in order to get what they want. Stout argues that the development of sociopathy is due half to genetics and half to nongenetic influences that have not been clearly identified. The author offers three examples of such people, including Skip, the handsome, brilliant, superrich boy who enjoyed stabbing bullfrogs near his family's summer home, and Doreen, who lied about her credentials to get work at a psychiatric institute, manipulated her colleagues and, most cruelly, a patient. Dramatic as these tales are, they are composites, and while Stout is a good writer and her exploration of sociopaths can be arresting, this book occasionally appeals to readers' paranoia, as the book's title and its guidelines for dealing with sociopaths indicate.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“A fascinating, important book about what makes good people good and bad people bad, and how good people can protect themselves from those others.”
—Harold S. Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

“The Sociopath Next Door is a chillingly accurate portrayal of evil--the decent person’s guide to indecency.”
—Jonathan Kellerman

“A remarkable philosophical examination of the phenomenon of sociopathy and its everyday manifestations…Stout’s portraits make a striking impact and readers with unpleasant neighbors or colleagues may find themselves paying close attention to her sociopathic-behavior checklist and suggested coping strategies. Deeply thought-provoking and unexpectedly lyrical.”
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A chilling portrait of human beings who lack scruples the way someone born blind lacks eyesight…Stout describes respected professionals who tell outrageous lies simply to confuse colleagues… authority figures who deceive, seduce and even murder just to relieve the boredom that is the usual state of the sociopathic mind. A useful—if appalling—guide to help you recognize conscienceless individuals.. [and] a heartening affirmation of the empathic mindset that comes naturally to the vast majority of humans.”
—Martha Beck, O Magazine

“The Sociopath Next Door  is a chillingly accurate portrayal of evil– the decent person’s guide to indecency. Martha Stout draws upon sound scientific data and clinical experience and her writing is graceful and compelling.”
—Jonathan Kellerman, author of Therapy, When the Bough Breaks, and Monster.

“[Stout] provides provocative discussion about the role of conscience in the ‘normal’ world. Highly recommend.”
Library Journal (starred review)

“One in 25 Americans is a sociopath– no conscience, no guilt. It could be your mean boss or your crazy ex. [The Sociopath Next Door] is an easy-to-follow guide for spotting them.”
Newsweek

“I recommend this book, especially to those who think they may be vulnerable to sociopaths. It contains good stories, useful advice and clinical and scientific nuggets.”
Washington Post

Winner of the 2005 Books for a Better Life Award

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Broadway Books; 1st Edition (February 8, 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 076791581X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0767915816
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.08 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.36 x 0.86 x 9.52 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 3,442 ratings

About the author

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Martha Stout, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice, served on the faculty in psychology in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School for twenty-five years. She is also the author of "The Myth of Sanity" and "The Paranoia Switch." She lives on Cape Ann in Massachusetts.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
3,442 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 24, 2013
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Top reviews from other countries

MaiaTheBee
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading for Anyone with Anti-Social Neighbours
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 3, 2018
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Brida
2.0 out of 5 stars Is it just me, or was this book a little 'hollow'?
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Pamela
5.0 out of 5 stars Do you suspect someone you know is a Sociopath?
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Florence Bunny
2.0 out of 5 stars Buyer beware
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cadelle
5.0 out of 5 stars If you have ever wondered why you just don't like some people and have fallen foul of their manipulations ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 2, 2016
15 people found this helpful
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