Psychologie und Psychiatrie: Open Access

Abstrakt

Sadism in Sadistic and Narcissistic Personality Disorders

Sam Vaknin

Narcissists rarely enjoy causing suffering as do sex sadists for no reason. Narcissists act sadistically when behaving in this way produces or yields Narcissistic Supply and to punish narcissistic supply sources perceived by the narcissist as deliberately frustrating and withholding. Sadists are practitioners of indirect violence and contextual harassment. They terrorize and threaten even their nearest and dearest bidding. They build an aura and atmosphere of fear and consternation, unmitigated yet diffuse. This they achieve by promulgating complex “house rules” which limit their dependents’ autonomy (spouses, children, employees, patients, clients, etc.). They have the last word, and they are the ultimate legislation. They must be obeyed, no matter how arbitrary and senseless are their rulings and decisions. Many sadists are fascinated by the brutality and gore. They are vicarious serial killers: For example, by “studying” and admiring historical figures such as Hitler, they channel their homicidal impulses in socially appropriate ways. They love guns and other firearms, they are fascinated by all types of violence, torture and martial arts.