Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Friday, May 09, 2025

0:00
0:00

A provocative study suggests: Left-Wing Extremism and its Unsettling Connection to Psychopathy and Narcissism

In pioneering research published in the distinguished journal Current Psychology, compelling associations have been drawn between left-wing extremism and perilous psychological traits, specifically psychopathy and narcissism.
Based on preceding studies, the authors anticipated that a conspicuous level of narcissism would be noticeable among individuals exhibiting strong tendencies towards left-wing authoritarianism. Ann Krispenz and Alex Bertrams, the eminent authors of the study, have thus proposed a groundbreaking theory, terming it the "dark-ego-vehicle principle."

This innovative principle suggests that individuals bearing these 'dark' traits—pronounced narcissism and psychopathy—are lured towards certain kinds of political and social activism. These arenas then serve as a platform to cater to their egotistical needs rather than genuinely pursuing social justice and equality, as they told PsyPost.

According to the research, left-wing extremism may have its roots entrenched in detrimental and self-serving psychological behavior. Some forms of activism, the authors argue, provide these individuals with opportunities to demonstrate moral superiority, thereby gaining social status, dominating others, and engaging in social conflicts and aggression for thrill-seeking satisfaction.

The research further highlights a striking paradox within the realm of left-wing authoritarianism: individuals often fail to uphold the principles they vehemently advocate.

The research points out that activists are frequently seen misusing social justice as a facade for their unruly behavior. These individuals, high on Left-Wing Authoritarianism (LWA), could brand anyone opposing their 'progressive values' as 'old-fashioned', repress free speech to regulate right-wing beliefs in educational institutions, and even resort to violence to achieve political goals.

Amidst this turmoil, the study brings attention to the concerning fact that privileged individuals who identify with LWA might manipulate activism to satiate their narcissistic needs, diverting it from its primary goal of achieving social equality for marginalized groups.

The authors stress the importance of making minority groups cognizant of such narcissistic 'foes' within their activist movements, as these individuals could potentially derail the cause, undermining the efficacy of the activism.

Further delving into the complex minds of grandiose narcissists, the study proposes that their aspirations for fame, distinction, and elevated social status lead them to covet influential positions that offer social visibility, outreach, and access to financial and other resources.

It is essential to note that the authors do not claim the monopoly of authoritarianism on either side of the political spectrum. They acknowledge the extensive literature and research available on right-wing authoritarianism while also noting the relatively sparse research available on authoritarianism among supporters of left-wing political ideologies.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Common Sense Returns to Britain's Legal System: UK Supreme Court Declares a Woman Is… a Woman
Warren Buffett to Step Down as Berkshire CEO After Nearly 60 Years
Trump Shares AI-Generated Image of Himself as… Pope, Prompting Outrage Reaction
Amazon Launches Satellite Internet Service Amidst Competition with SpaceX
The Rush to the White Gold: Global Investment Surge in Natural Hydrogen Exploration
Trump Administration Removes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz Amid Signal Chat Controversy
Liverpool Clinches Record-Equalling 20th English League Title Under Arne Slot
Massive Explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas Port Linked to Suspicious Chemical Shipments
Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Rome as World Leaders Attend Funeral
Not Child’s Play: How Competitive Gaming Became a Global Economic Empire
California Surpasses Japan to Become the World’s Fourth-Largest Economy
Former U.S. Congressman George Santos sentenced to eighty-seven months for wide-ranging fraud
Israel Considers Limited Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Facilities Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Saudi Arabia Offers Max Verstappen Unprecedented Deal to Join Aston Martin
Global Pistachio Shortage Amid Rising Demand for 'Dubai Chocolate'
IMF Predicts No Global Recession Amid Trade Tensions
Worldwide Markets Decline as U.S.-China Trade Frictions Intensify
OpenAI Lands Unprecedented $40 Billion Investment
Removing the Political Adversary is Dismantling What's Remaining of Turkey's Economy.
Ex-FIFA President and French Football Icon Acquitted of Corruption Allegations
White House Investigates Security Breach After Journalist Accidentally Added to Secret Yemen Strike Chat
Volunteers in Jeddah Ensure No One Goes Hungry During Ramadan Iftar
New Restaurant Opens in Makkah's Iconic Clock Tower for Ramadan Iftar
Saudi Arabia's Project Masam Removes 552 Houthi Mines in Yemen
Saudi Arabia Fines Over 400 Foreign Trucks for Regulatory Violations
Saudi National Campaign for Charitable Work Reports Significant Donations in Ramadan
Historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque Restored in Asir as Part of National Heritage Initiative
KSrelief Expands Humanitarian Efforts in Syria, Sudan, and Lebanon
Saudi Arabia Advocates for Global Water Cooperation at Forum
Madinah Governor Tours Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
Saudi Foreign Minister in Cairo to Lead Meeting on Gaza Developments
Recognition of Saudi and Pakistani Entrepreneurs at Riyadh Ceremony
UAE Announces $1.4 Trillion Investment Plan in the United States
Saudi Arabia Innovates in Soil Quality and Water Conservation
Governor of Taif Engages with Rose and Aromatic Plants Cooperative
Saudi Food and Drug Authority Enhances Preparations for Hajj Season
Saudi Arabia Distributes Aid to Yemen and Romania
Restoration of Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh Underlines Heritage Preservation Efforts
Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 25,000 for Immigration Violations in One Week
UAE’s ADQ and Energy Capital Partners Announce $25 Billion Energy Venture in the U.S.
KSrelief Launches Extensive Ramadan Food Aid Initiative
Ramadan Celebrations Revitalize Historic Jeddah
Makkah Authorities Urge Worshippers to Follow Crowd Management Guidelines
Direct Flights Between Dammam and Damascus Reestablished for Syrian Residents
Saudi Main Index Rises to Close at 11,760 Amid Mixed Market Performance
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch Visits Prophet's Mosque in Madinah
Cultural Development Fund Hosts Third Annual Storytellers Event in Riyadh
Investment Surge in Fintech, Gaming, and Health Care Across MENA Region
Surging Prices for Religious Tourism in Saudi Arabia Amid Ramadan Rush
Middle Eastern Airlines’ Fleet Projected to Surge Above Global Growth Rates
×