/lit/ – A fatal flaw of popular psychology – Literature – 4chan
I’m posting this to /lit/ because its philosophical in nature.
I’ve noticed a troubling tendency within modern psychological analysis of personality disorders, particularly the ones that cause more outward harm to others, like cluster B’s, and the dark triad. It is pretty well-substantiated that the vast majority of people with these problems, developed them from something traumatic that made them feel isolated, afraid, powerless, and ashamed. The combination of those feelings is why they act out in ways that are overly sensitive, or sadistic, or malicious, or reckless. Largely, it stems from a deficiency in power, a wound that relates to one feeling incapable and inadequate, and most of the dark behavior is either protective/defensive, or compensatory (generally, in a vain fashion).
Having said all of this; modern pop psychological content, ranging from articles, to small youtube channels, to large mainstream figures such as JBP, are endorsing a view of essentialism on these disorders. That the people who have a cluster B disorder or a dark tetrad complex, are innately evil. Rarely is this explicitly stated, but, it is hinted at often.
I don’t think any dark personality traits are innate or essential, but maladaptive…does anyone have any thoughts on this? To me, its incredibly irresponsible, and opens up so much room for dehumanization, abuse by those in power, and ineffectiveness of rehabilitation, to write off suffering people as evil just because they make others suffer too.
