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Clinical narcissism can evolve into aggressive or malignant narcissism, a trait of abusive psychopaths. Those with narcissistic personality disorder lack concern for others and seek to exploit them for personal gain. Aggressive narcissism is characterized by a compulsion to hurt and manipulate others, and can manifest in various ways. Research indicates that men and those addicted to drugs or with a criminal history are more likely to develop this disorder.
Clinical narcissism is an unhealthy level of self-love to the exclusion of all others and their needs. When the condition evolves into a more psychopathic and violent form, therapists call this aggressive narcissism or malignant narcissism. Some of the most notorious killers in human history have been grouped into this category of antisocial behavior disorders, from serial killer Ted Bundy to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. These people have taken sadistic pleasure in exercising personal superiority over those they perceive as inferior.
A little narcissism, literally self-love, is a natural part of being human and forms the cornerstone of healthy self-esteem. Too much narcissism, however, is a different issue. Someone considered self-centered or conceited may be considered a narcissist, but may not be a clinical narcissist. This requires a certain lack of concern for the needs of others and a desire to exploit people for personal gain. If these attributes are prevalent, a therapist is likely to diagnose a patient with narcissistic personality disorder.
It takes destructive tendencies for people with narcissistic personality disorder to be diagnosed with aggressive narcissism, a common trait of the abusive psychopath. This carnivorous spirit is characterized by a compulsion to hurt and manipulate others, both physically and mentally. The malignant narcissist seeks an illusory sense of exaggerated power, gained only through humiliation and the assertion of dominance over others.
Aggressive narcissism can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Some, like serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, may harm animals, then turn to human sacrifice. Others shy away from murder, but constantly mock those closest to them or beat family members behind closed doors. Narcissists, in general, tend to have above average intelligence and are more inclined to enjoy activities such as hunting or shooting ranges. They may tend to gravitate towards careers like teaching or even law enforcement, which allows them to assert authority over others on a regular basis.
Psychologist and philosopher Erich Fromm was the first to label this violent turn as “malignant narcissism”, in the 1960s. Since then, several psychoanalytic studies and works have been devoted to the disorder, which combines paranoia, narcissism, evil tendencies and selfish purposes. Research indicates that urban environments are twice as likely to harbor people with narcissistic personality disorder, which men are five times more likely to develop than women. Aggressive narcissism is also more prevalent among those addicted to alcohol and other drugs, as well as those with a criminal history.
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