London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, May 17, 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

0:00
0:00
Close
US and EU Make Progress in Trade Talks, While Vietnam Negotiations Also Advance
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial: Ex-Girlfriend Cassie Ventura Testifies About Alleged Abuse
Former Wales Rugby Star Jamie Roberts to Pursue Medical Career
Australia's Venomous Creatures Contribute to Life-Saving Antivenom Programme
Passenger Travels Under Wrong Identity on British Airways Flight
Former FBI Director James Comey Questioned by Secret Service Over Social Media Post
The Spanish Were Right: Long Working Hours Harm Brain Function
After 108 Years: Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating
Did Former FBI Director Call for Violence Against Trump? Instagram Post Sparks Uproar
US and UAE Partner to Develop Massive AI Data Center Complex
Russia and Ukraine Hold First Direct Peace Talks in Three Years — But No Breakthrough Yet
Apple's $95 Million Siri Settlement: Eligible Users Have Until July 2 to File Claims
US and UAE Reach Preliminary Agreement on Nvidia AI Chip Imports
KREMLIN has just approved Senator ALEXANDER " THE EXPERIMENT" KARELIN, of Novosibrisk, as Chief Negotiator at the Meeting in ISTANBUL with Ukraine & USA.
Shocking Footage Released: Diddy Caught Dragging Cassie in Brutal Hotel Hallway Assault
Starlink Now Profitable: SpaceX Hits Major Milestone with $11.8 Billion in Revenue
Portuguese Right-Wing Leader Collapses During Campaign Rally
A Pakistani imam in Italy gave a sermon stating that every Muslim should fight the infidels or face ‘catastrophic consequences’.
President Trump and Elon Musk Welcomed by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim with Cybertruck Convoy
EU Court Orders Disclosure of von der Leyen’s Texts with Pfizer CEO Over €35 Billion Vaccine Deal
Strong Warning Issued: Do Not Use General Chatbots for Medical, Legal, or Educational Guidance
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Tech Magnet with U.S. Backing and Trump’s Visit
Mexican Influencer Valeria Márquez Killed During Livestream in Suspected Femicide
This man went to take $5,000 out his own bank account and was arrested for it
This was President's departure from Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince personally escorted him back to the airport.
CIA Files Reveal Klaus Barbie's Role in Bolivian Drug Trade and Dictatorship Support
Daughter of crypto boss escapes Paris kidnap in latest in series of attacks
U.S. FDA to Remove Oral Fluoride Supplements for Children Amid Gut Health Concerns
Kim Kardashian Testifies in Paris Robbery Trial, Tells Gang Leader: 'I Forgive You'
NVIDIA and Saudi Arabia Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish AI Centers
Challenges Facing EU Foreign Policy Amidst Diverging Interests
Reports Reveal Alarming Cognitive Decline in Biden Prior to Election Withdrawal
Trump Meets Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara in Historic Encounter
South Africans chant call to genocide against White people.
Trump takes a blow torch to the neocons and interventionists while speaking to the Saudis
Why Saudi Arabia Rolled Out a Purple Carpet for Donald Trump Instead of Red
Flip flop: UK Introduces New Immigration Policy to Reduce Net Migration
Elon Musk Joins Trump Meeting in Saudi Arabia
Poland Tightens Immigration Policy with New Plan to Suspend Asylum Law
Trump says it would be 'stupid' not to accept gift of Qatari plane
8-Year-Old Orders 70,000 Lollipops Using Mother’s Phone, Prompting $4,200 Amazon Bill and Viral Facebook Plea
Quantum Computing Threatens Bitcoin Security
American citizens account for 70% of worldwide pharmaceutical sales despite comprising only 4% of global population
New Details Emerge on Syrian Attacker's Motives in German Festival Stabbing
Brazil’s President Aims to Strengthen Ties with China Amid US Trade Tensions
Senate Democrats Move to Censure Trump Over Qatar Jet Gift
First White South Africans Resettled in the U.S. Amid Controversy Over Persecution Claims
Hamas Releases Last Living US Hostage from Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
India and Pakistan Agreement on Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions
Arsenal Stages Comeback to Draw 2-2 Against Liverpool in Premier League Clash
×