Former FBI agent reveals unnerving personality type he dubs more dangerous than a psychopath
Joe Navarro, a former agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has revealed which personality type is consistently more dangerous than that of a psychopath, as malignant narcissists have proven to be dangerous to society.
Notable malignant narcissists throughout history include vilified figures like Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, as the personality type is typically associated with individuals who possess all of the standard narcissistic traits, alongside extreme antisocial behavior, paranoia, and sadistic tendencies.
As per the Daily Mail, malignant narcissists tend to enjoy the suffering of other people, and often "overvalue themselves and devalue others, and that discrepancy causes great harm," according to Navarro.
Navarro's experience within the FBI's National Security Division Behavioral Analysis Program exposed him to some of the more extreme personality disorders and allowed him to use behavioral psychology and personality assessments within investigations, which prove to be a key part of the agency's work.
Is malignant narcissism an official diagnosis?
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One alarming factor to consider, however, is that malignant narcissism isn't an official scientific term, unlike other personality or behavioral conditions, which is contrary to the damage it can potentially cause.
While it is a clinical term used to express the extreme end of the narcissism scale, it is not recognised within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is where most health experts turn for classification.
Other examples are said to include Saddam Hussein and cult leader Charles Manson, as well as fictional characters like Mean Girls' Regina George, Succession's Logan Roy, and The Sopranos' Tony Soprano.
Why are malignant narcissists so dangerous?
According to Navarro, one of the most dangerous aspects of malignant narcissists is their lack of remorse, which is often linked to a removal of conscience that might prevent you from being considerate about pain or suffering towards others.
Individuals with this personality type also often desire power and leadership, and are likely willing to exploit others through manipulation and lies in order to achieve their goals and gain an advantage.
"While certain criminals who rob banks and rob people tend to be in the area of psychopathy or sociopathy, the malignant narcissist tends to do, I think, the most interpersonal damage," claimed Navarro.
The term itself originated from Erich Fromm, a famous psychologist, and some have even suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump reflects some or all of the traits associated with malignant narcissism.
Still, that remains a reflection of personal opinion or political critique instead of any formal medical diagnosis.
There is also a good chance that, like some of the most dangerous psychopaths, malignant sociopaths can be difficult to spot at face value – especially as they are strong manipulators who can change their personality in order to achieve their goals – making it easy for people to fall into their trap and appear blind to the dangers.