The Malignant Narcissist

Is Malignant Narcissism Evil?

In 1964, Fromm wrote a book called The Heart of Man in which he was the first to discuss malignant narcissism. He actually was writing about human evil, which he called the “syndrome of decay,” and how it’s a combination of three things: necrophilious orientation (attraction to death, decay, and destruction), incestuous symbiosis (complete enmeshment with someone else), and malignant narcissism.¹ So malignant narcissism was only 1 out of 3 ingredients needed for “evilness.”

The Conceptual Development of Malignant Narcissism

There were a couple other researchers who described a narcissistic character that is similar to a malignant narcissist, but they didn’t actually call it that. Rosenfeld (1971)² described a form of grandiose narcissism that was at the delusional level and included feeling all-powerful or all-knowing. They are cruel, ruthless, and sadistic, completely rejecting dependency/connecting to anyone else, so much so that they find no value in other people. Kohut (1976)² described a narcissist who was “charismatic and/or messianic” with paranoid flavors. And then Kernberg (1984)³ actually used the term malignant narcissism and defined it as grandiosity with sadistic strivings, noting that it is a combination of four parts.

1. Narcissism
2. Antisocial behavior
3. Sadism/aggression
4. Paranoid Orientation

The 4 Parts of Malignant Narcissism

1. Narcissism

A malignant narcissist has a core narcissistic personality. It’s textbook grandiose narcissism, where they run from their fragile shame, feeding their own self-esteem by taking from others and tearing others down. This can look like being irritable, empty, and angry. Interpersonally, they are sensitive to criticism. They’re cold, lack empathy, and show no remorse or guilt. They can’t have deep relationships but are charming, promiscuous, and seductive on the surface. They’re exploitative and entitled. They need admiration, and they are extremely envious and materialistic. Using the movie American Psycho⁴ as an example, the main character (Patrick) is introduced in a superficial, grandiose manner as he engages in a morning routine filled with high-maintenance image-based acts with a ton of skin care and grooming.

2. Antisocial Behavior

The malignant narcissist engages in antisocial behavior - but they are NOT at a level of antisocial personality disorder.⁵ They actually understand morality, but they rationalize their antisocial behaviors (i.e. lying, stealing, exploitation) because they need to in order to maintain their positive image. Their needs matter, but others’ needs don’t. They might commit a few crimes, but it’s not a lifestyle. Again in American Psycho, Patrick lies right in front of his secretary (who definitely notices) about reservations to a prestigious restaurant, and he maintains that lie even when his secretary challenges him.⁴

3. Sadism/Aggression

The malignant narcissist has ego-syntonic sadism or aggression. This means that their desire to harm others is not rejected, but embraced. They’re okay with the fact that they hurt others. They idealize the part of them that is rageful, aggressive, destructive, violent, and revengeful - in order to protect themselves. Essentially, they make sure to victimize others so that they don’t end up being a victim themselves. Sometimes this even means killing themself to master their own fate, their own crisis, or even someone else. In American Psycho, Patrick’s aggression came out when another character showed Patrick and his coworkers his superior business card with gold lettering. Patrick couldn’t handle it, followed the other character into the restroom, and was shown intensely desiring to destroy the other character through strangulation.⁴

4. Paranoid Orientation

The malignant narcissist has an extremely paranoid orientation toward life, harboring intense mistrust, viewing others as enemies, and often being preoccupied with conspiracy theories. They believe the world is out to get them, so they have to attack first. This can sometimes result in “mini” psychotic episodes. For example, in the movie American Psycho, there is a question of whether all the murders were actually real or just fantasized.⁴

When we mix grandiose narcissism with antisocial behaviors, sadism/aggression, and paranoid flavors, we end up with malignant narcissism. It’s “worse” and more dangerous than narcissistic personality disorder, though malignant narcissism itself is not a DSM-5-TR diagnosis. If you believe you’re in a relationship with a malignant narcissist, seek help! You can look on Psychology Today or if you’re in Virginia or Pennsylvania, check out Quest Psychological and Counseling Services for available services.

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