Malignant Narcissism According To Erich Fromm

Malignant narcissism was defined by Erich Fromm in 1964.  He describes it as that condition in which a person is characterized by grandiloquent, antisocial and hostile behavior. His main trait is to dehumanize all the places in which he finds himself – family or professional. The lack of empathy and his Machiavellianism could undoubtedly cause great damage.

Today, when we talk about the narcissistic personality, most people think of the same picture. That of the superficial character taking a selfie or even that friend who comes before others by leaving them aside. However, these behaviors go far beyond. We are often in the presence of a disorder which can be divided into several sub-categories. 

Erich Fromm indicates that, according to him, it is “the epitome of evil”. As a witness to the events of World War II, this psychoanalyst, social psychologist and humanist philosopher of German Jewish origin wanted to lay the foundations for what could be the worst pathology. Indeed, one can be led to commit violent acts.

It should be noted that today neuroscience and psychology offer us many variables to understand or explain wickedness. However, Fromm was the pioneer, due to his willingness to assert that narcissism is at the root of many harmful behaviors for humanity. From a clinical point of view, it is very interesting to discover this theory.

Characteristics of malignant narcissism

A study conducted by the University of Michigan in the United States by Dr. Goldner-Yukov,  malignant narcissism is a serious condition. Nonetheless, it was forgotten from psychiatric research for decades after Erich Fromm discovered it.

This 2010 study indicates that it is  a personality disorder with devastating consequences, both at the family level and at the level of society itself. 

Certainly, in recent years, we have heard more and more of this term. Indeed, according to experts, certain behaviors that we see on the political scene could be attributed to malignant narcissism.

For example, John Gartner, a psychotherapist at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore – known for his biographies of political figures – said something interesting. According to him, Donald Trump would present this disorder. In addition, it should be  noted that this disease is incurable. It is irreversible.

So let’s see how this condition is characterized.

Extreme narcissism and antisocial behavior

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is included in Group B Personality Disorders in the DSM-5 ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ). We know – from the point of view of psychology and pyschiatrist – that no  personality profile or disorder fits perfectly into a category.

Usually, traits of other conditions also appear. Thus, malignant narcissism  can be a combination of the most severe form of narcissism and that antisocial behavior so common in the psychopath. The most common traits are:

• Marked size
• Lack of empathy
• Lack of remorse
• Impulsiveness
• Contempt for the rights of others
• Tendency to deceive people and destructive behavior

Malignant narcissism does not need reinforcements or external attention

A common characteristic of narcissism is the need to always be the center of attention. His low self-esteem demands external reinforcement,  validation, and the admiration of others. However, it is not the same in the case of malignant narcissism. People with this personality type are certain of their superiority and greatness. There is no doubt about it and these type of narcissistic people only seek to surround themselves well wherever they are.

Paranoid thinking and sadism

Psychoanalyst Otto Kernberg, American psychoanalyst of Austrian origin, also studied malignant narcissism. According to the latter, this profile is defined by the following characteristics:

• Paranoid Thinking: They often tend to think that people are against them. Their dichotomous thinking divides the world between those who support them and those who don’t. They are therefore wary of any different person, who goes against them, who does not comply with their rigid view of reality.
• Sadism: this profile does not hesitate to use cruelty, contempt, scathing criticism, manipulation and humiliation. However, the most striking thing in this is not only their behavior but the fact that they take a certain pleasure in carrying out these acts.

Clever narcissists only need the right circumstances to become tyrants

The question we can ask ourselves is obvious:  are malicious narcissists really dangerous? The answer is a resounding yes. Having a parent, partner, manager or even a co-worker with this profile creates serious problems.

For example, a group of American psychologists and psychiatrists recently again doubted the mental stability of the President of the United States. The term “malignant narcissism” has been put back on the table, to reflect on the danger this might entail. Granted, for many, Trump is just the most prolific cyber-stalker in history right now. His tweets are proof of that.

Nevertheless, experts indicate  that malignant narcissism only needs certain circumstances for the true tyrant to emerge. We can cite the example of Kim Jong-Un in North Korea. Therefore, let’s keep this psychological condition in mind and give it the same importance as Erich Fromm at the time.

Our thoughts

By only telling younger people what they are doing right, ignoring what is not, we can make them little narcissistic beings.