Can Personality Disorders Trump Democracy? An Exploration of Psychopathy and Narcissism

Unraveling the Enigma of Personality Disorders

What are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterised by inflexible and maladaptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. These patterns differ significantly from what's expected in a particular culture, cause significant problems in a person's life, and impact those around them.

Here are some key points about personality disorders:

• Long-lasting patterns: These are not temporary reactions to stressful events. The patterns are ingrained and have been present for many years, typically starting in late adolescence or early adulthood.

• Cause distress and impairment: The personality traits cause distress for the person with the disorder and interfere with their ability to function in important areas of life, such as work, relationships, and social activities.
  

• Difficult to change: Personality disorders are considered relatively stable over time and can be challenging to treat. However, therapy can help people with these disorders manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Unpacking Type B Personalities

The world of personality disorders can be complex, but some common and significant characteristics stand out. Today, we'll delve into a few of the Cluster B personality disorders that are characterised by dramatic, erratic behaviours and difficulty managing emotions and relationships. We'll focus on two distinct disorders within this cluster: psychopathy (Antisocial Personality Disorder) and narcissism.

While diagnosing mental health conditions should be left to professionals, we can explore how these concepts might be applied to understand the behaviours of some people. It is essential to do so with a balanced and objective approach.

Applying the Concepts to a Public Figure: The Case of Donald Trump

Few public figures have garnered as much attention and speculation as former President Donald Trump. The psychology that underlies his actions and personality traits has been a topic of interest and debate among experts and the public alike.

Sun king or dictator in disguise? This leader is bathed in light, but the shadows around him hint at a darker truth.

When delving into the psychology of prominent figures like Donald Trump, it is crucial to approach the topic with a balanced perspective and a focus on empirical evidence. This exploration isn't about diagnosing or defaming but understanding behaviours through established psychological frameworks.

While it's important to tread carefully and avoid making definitive diagnoses, delving into the realm of Type B personality disorders like psychopathy and narcissism can offer insight into specific behavioural patterns exhibited by some prominent individuals in the public eye.

To illustrate the traits associated with these conditions, we will explore the actions and behaviours of former President Donald Trump through the lens of psychopathy and narcissism, using the DSM-5 criteria as a guide.

While the DSM-5 doesn't have a diagnosis for psychopathy, the closest category is Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), which shares many characteristics with psychopathy.

The Mask of Sanity: Psychopathy

The book "Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work" by Paul Babiak and Robert Hare explores psychopathy in the workplace. "Snakes in Suits" investigates the manipulative and destructive behaviours of psychopaths who climb the corporate ladder.

The book argues certain aspects of corporate culture can be appealing to psychopaths. These aspects might include:

• High Risk, High Reward: Psychopaths may be drawn to the potential for power and wealth in leadership positions.

• Focus on Charisma:  Their manipulative charm can be an asset in climbing the corporate ladder.

• Lack of Empathy:  Psychopathy's emotional coldness might make them less susceptible to guilt or concern for others' feelings, potentially allowing them to make ruthless decisions.

In essence, "Snakes in Suits" suggests a link between psychopathic traits and success in some corporate environments.

The concept of psychopathy is often associated with the work of Dr. Robert Hare, a prominent psychologist who developed the Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL). This inventory assesses a range of personality traits and behaviours that can indicate psychopathy.

Exploring Psychopathy

Psychopathy encompasses a cluster of traits that include deceitfulness, lack of empathy, and impulsivity. Individuals with psychopathic tendencies often exhibit charm and charisma, which can be captivating to those around them. This charm acts as a veil, masking the darker aspects of their personality.

Psychopaths are "social predators" who manipulate and exploit others for personal gain.

Dr. Robert Hare, a prominent psychologist in the field of psychopathy, described psychopaths as "social predators" who manipulate and exploit others for personal gain. They lack a conscience and empathy, and Hare emphasised their ruthlessness in using charm, deceit, and even violence to get what they want.

Hare developed the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), which is a diagnostic tool used to assess psychopathic tendencies. The checklist identifies several key characteristics of psychopaths, including:

1. Glibness and superficial charm

• Psychopaths can be highly charismatic and adept at using charm to manipulate others.

• Psychopaths can deliver captivating speeches filled with empty promises and eloquent platitudes, deflecting criticism with humour and charisma (e.g., Politifact tracked 100 promises President Trump made during his 2016 campaign). Politifact's Trump-O-meter found that 53% were broken while another 22% were compromised.

• Trump built relationships with foreign leaders based on flattery and personal gain rather than genuine diplomacy. In 2019, for instance, CNN reported numerous examples of when Trump praised notorious authoritarian world leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, and President Xi Jinping.

2. Lack of remorse or guilt

• Hare painted a picture of a psychopath who is utterly unconcerned with the emotional consequences of their actions on others. They do not feel guilt and will find justifications for their behaviour, even in the face of obvious wrongdoing. (e.g., listen to a 2016 CNN panel rip Donald Trump’s “Insincere” and “forced” non-apology for hot mic video).

• They blame subordinates for their mistakes and show no empathy for the consequences. (e.g., Ballas (2020) wrote an article on how 'Trump's Lack of empathy is Pathological'.)

3. Egocentricity and grandiosity

• They demonstrate a toxic mix of self-absorption and an inflated sense of self-importance that fuels manipulation and a disregard for others.

• They demand constant praise and will likely surround themselves with yes-men who inflate their egos. In 2020, Khatiri wrote an article about how President Trump liked to surround himself with people who never say no.

• Trump ordered the construction of expensive monuments that glorify him. In 2019, Borger wrote an article on how Trump saw the wall as a monument to himself, quoting him as saying:
  

'What I do best in life, I build. … I want it to be so beautiful because maybe someday they’ll call it ‘The Trump Wall.’ Maybe. If they call this ‘The Trump Wall,’ it has to be beautiful.'

4. Pathological lying

• Pathological lying in psychopathy is a manipulative tool used to serve their own needs with no regard for truth or the consequences of their deception.

• Trump repeatedly made false statements about his accomplishments or the state of the economy, even when contradicted by evidence. In Vanity Fair, Levin (2022) reported on Trump's pathological lies.

• He manipulates the media to create a narrative that benefits them, regardless of its truthfulness. An article by Rutgers Today talked with Khadijah Costley White, assistant professor of journalism and media studies with the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers-New Brunswick. He also authored Raising the Volume: How the News Media Created the Tea Party. His book explored how the Trump presidency shaped a media weakened by decades of deregulation and the monopolies more interested in making a profit than protecting the public interest.

5. Repeated violation of social norms

• The violation of social norms in psychopathy is a blatant disregard for societal rules and expectations, driven by their impulsivity and lack of concern for the repercussions.

• Trump engages in public displays of anger and disrespect towards political rivals. Trump's failure to accept his election loss saw him seed the anger that led to the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

• They have numerous affairs and engage in inappropriate behaviour with subordinates. Keneally (2020), for instance, wrote an article for ABC News about how At least 18 women accused Donald Trump of varying inappropriate behaviour, including allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault.

6. Impulsivity and poor behavioural control

• They often struggle with impulse control and may engage in risky or reckless behaviour. This volatile combination leads to reckless actions without considering the consequences for their safety or that of others.

• Trump has made rash decisions based on personal vendettas or fleeting emotions, causing international tension. Kosev (2920) reported that the United States (US) teetered on the brink of war with Iran, partly due to Donald Trump's state of mind and foreign policy.

• Trump misused public funds recklessly and engaged in extravagant spending sprees for private benefit.

7. Promiscuous sexual behaviour

• A lack of emotional attachment can lead to a pattern of casual sexual encounters.

• They use their position of power to exploit or coerce others into sexual relationships.

• They are caught in multiple scandals involving infidelity and sexual harassment (e.g., Wikipedia explores the long list of Trump's sexual misconduct allegations.)

8. Lack of empathy and emotional coldness

• There is a chilling absence of genuine human connection, leaving them indifferent to the suffering of others.

• They show little concern for the suffering of others, even in the face of natural disasters or economic hardship. For example, Trump rarely showed empathy during the coronavirus crisis.
  

• They prioritise personal gain over the well-being of the citizens of their country whose interests they are meant to represent. Trump's lack of empathy for refugee's and scare-mongering has no basis in reality.

9. Parasitic lifestyle

• They may exploit others financially or emotionally for personal gain.

• They exploit government resources for personal enrichment, living a lavish lifestyle funded by taxpayers. (e.g., Trump and the Parasitic Presidency)
  

• They award lucrative contracts to friends and family businesses regardless of merit. (e.g., Trump at 100 Days: Case Studies of Trump’s Self-Serving, Special Interest Government)
  

Trump was spending on travel in a month nearly as much as what the Obamas spent in a year.

10. Criminal history

• Their past may include fraud charges, embezzlement, or other offences, which they downplay or deny. (e.g., Guilty: Trump becomes first former US president convicted of felony crimes).

• They use their power to obstruct justice and avoid accountability for their actions. (e.g., Supreme Court Grants Trump Broad Immunity for Official Acts, Placing Presidents Above the Law)

It's important to remember that possessing these traits does not mean someone is a psychopath. However, these traits can help us understand the complexities of certain personalities.

Grandiose Self-Image: Narcissism

Narcissism gets its name from the mythical Narcissus, who became obsessed with his reflection. People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) have a pervasive, inflated sense of self-importance or grandiosity (in fantasy or behaviour) and a constant and deep need for admiration.

NPD shares some characteristics with Psychopathy, including:

• Grandiosity: Both the PCL-R and DSM-5 for NPD emphasise an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration. Like psychopaths, Narcissists often believe they are superior to others and deserve special treatment. They may brag excessively about their achievements, real or imagined.

• For example, Donald Trump has been reported to have compared himself to various historical figures, including Al Capone, Jesus Christ, Ronald Reagan, Mother Teresa, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley and Nelson Mandela. He compares himself to historical greats and downplays the accomplishments of others, including past presidents.
  

• Lack of Empathy: Both identify difficulty in understanding and sharing the feelings of others, as described earlier.

• Manipulative Tendencies: There's an overlap in exploiting or manipulating others for personal gain, as described earlier

The difference between Psychopathy and NPD is characteristics like impulsivity, and lack of remorse are not core features of NPD.

The Malignant Narcissist: A Toxic Combination

While psychopathy and narcissism are distinct disorders, there's an overlap in their characteristics, and sometimes, individuals display traits of both. When the most harmful aspects of these disorders converge, we enter the realm of the malignant narcissist. This particularly toxic individual combines the grandiosity, lack of empathy, and manipulation of narcissism with the aggression, deceit, and disregard for others found in psychopathy.

Malignant narcissists are often charismatic and charming on the surface, but beneath this facade lies a dark and destructive core. They can be exploitative, manipulative, and even sadistic, deriving pleasure from the suffering of others. Unlike typical narcissists who primarily seek admiration, malignant narcissists are more likely to engage in overt aggression and hostility to maintain power and control.

Recognising a malignant narcissist can be challenging due to their ability to manipulate perceptions. However, red flags include a pattern of abusive behaviour, a lack of remorse, a disregard for boundaries, and a persistent need to dominate others.

It's crucial to remember that while understanding these personality disorders can provide insights into human behaviour, it's essential to approach the topic with caution and avoid making armchair diagnoses. If you suspect you are dealing with a malignant narcissist, seeking professional help and support is vital.

Living with Cluster B

Whether you encounter psychopathy or narcissism, it's essential to prioritise your well-being. Setting boundaries and limiting contact can be crucial. Remember, these disorders are not your fault, and you can't "fix" someone with them.

Conclusion: Avoid Trumping Democracy

Exploring the psychology of public figures like Donald Trump can offer a glimpse into human behaviour and personality complexities. By examining personality disorders and their traits, we can understand the factors that shape decision-making processes. However, it's crucial to maintain a respectful and objective approach, avoiding labels or diagnoses without proper professional evaluation.

Also, when we have influence over whether such people gain power, we should remain vigilant about such behaviours that are potentially red flags warning us we must not trump democracy.

Seeking Help

If you suspect you or someone you know might have a Cluster B personality disorder, seeking professional help is vital. Our psychologists at iflow Psychology can help individuals manage their symptoms and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Remember, this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

If you are interested in learning more about personality disorders, here are some resources:

• The National Institute of Mental Health

• The Mayo Clinic

Let us know in the comments below what other psychology-related topics you'd like to explore in future posts!