The Sadistic Personality
Who they are and what drives them
When we consider what personifies a sadistic personality we might initially think of the most extreme example of a psychopathic sexually sadistic serial killer, like Ted Bundy. Or perhaps more benign images of a dominant in S&M bondage role play comes to mind. Indeed, the expression of sadism can span the titillating to the barbaric, suggesting it is a multi- dimensional spectrum disorder like narcissism, as opposed to a unitary perspective which designates a condition as a single distinct disorder that gives rise to varied mental states.
In my experience as a trauma therapist, I lean towards the spectrum model, as it allows one to consider a collection of behaviors of varying degrees and intensity that can assist with gauging if one has traits, as opposed to the full-blown disorder. A spectrum model is also useful in assessing one’s capacity for benefiting from treatment and what type of treatment if any is applicable.
Indeed, throughout the years I’ve encountered inconceivable histories of systemic abuse, perpetrated by sadistic personalities. The sadist can take the form of pimps, bullies, maternal narcissists, pedophiles, perfidious siblings, and pillars of the community. Whatever personae they assume, the sadist has a predilection for cruelty. Knowing they have caused suffering is the…
