The Psychology of Sadism

Are you familiar with Shahrukh Khan’s well-known line, “I love you, K-K-K-Kiran”? Beyond his typical portrayal of the lover boy, his film gave many of us chills. Let’s attempt to comprehend his actions from a psychological perspective. His character enjoys following and frightening Kiran to exert control over her life, going beyond the bounds of normality into obsessive and unpleasant behaviour. His portrayal of a vicious, compulsive personality in “Darr” is still among Bollywood’s most iconic. However, what exactly is Sadism?

What is Sadism?

Sadism resembles a twisted puppeteer who enjoys pulling strings, controlling feelings, and seeing people writhe in agony. It’s a sinister, inside fire that consumes other people’s suffering in order to gain power and sate a need for supremacy rather than to develop or heal. Sadism is the propensity to get pleasure—particularly sexual gratification—by causing others to suffer, be humiliated, or experience pain. In a broader sense, it describes someone who finds pleasure or fulfilment in making another person feel uncomfortable or harmed, whether physically or emotionally.

Ted Bundy is a well-known example of a sadistic serial killer in real life. Bundy used premeditated brutality to deceive, torture, and kill his victims. He frequently won their trust before betraying his darker motives. His actions and apparent lack of remorse demonstrated his cruel character. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Patrick Bateman in the 2000 film “American Psycho” is a well-known example of a cruel character who acquires sexual pleasure by inflicting suffering. Bateman plays a rich investment banker in this movie who also lives a double life as a vicious, sadistic serial killer.

Read More: The Psychology behind Aggressive Behaviour

How Do You Identify Sadists?

Since sadistic inclinations are not necessarily obviously aggressive or harmful, it can be difficult to recognize them, particularly in subtle or non-extreme cases. Nonetheless, some characteristics and actions may point to sadistic tendencies. Traits such as:

• Cruelty in Comedy
• Insufficient Empathy
• Hatred and Aggression
• Manipulation and Control
• Enjoying the Pain of Others
• Consent-Based Blurring of Boundaries Abuse Pattern

But How Does One Become a Sadist?

Many psychological, social, and environmental factors might have an impact on the complex growth of sadistic tendencies. Additionally, these characteristics may contribute to sadism, but they are not always the reason. According to research, a large number of people who exhibit sadistic qualities have had severe childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect. Secure attachments and healthy connections help children develop empathy early in life. Without empathy, they may find it difficult to appreciate or comprehend the suffering of others, which could result in sadistic inclinations.

Sadistic tendencies may be a component of several personality disorders, such as narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder, which is frequently linked to sociopathy. People may become less sensitive to the suffering of others if they are exposed to violent media or settings where cruelty is accepted. A person may continue to act sadistically if their actions are not questioned or are even rewarded (for example, by winning respect, power, or terror).

Albert Fish, a well-known American serial killer, is a real-life example of sadistic behaviour. He was subjected to frequent beatings and vicious acts of brutality at the orphanage, and his family had a history of mental problems. In his letters to his victims’ families, Fish demonstrated his lack of empathy and unsettling satisfaction in inflicting them great agony.

Read More: What’s the Difference Between a Psychopaths and a Sociopaths?

It is also a Disorder!

Extreme violence is not the only way sadism shows up. There are several types, including physical sadism (getting joy from causing bodily injury), verbal or emotional sadism (getting pleasure from disparaging or emotionally harming people), and sexual sadism (getting pleasure from causing suffering in a sexual context). The intensity and expression of each category can differ. 

Four varieties of sadism have been defined by renowned American psychologist Theodore Million, who made significant contributions to our understanding of personality disorders. There are several varieties of sadism: tyrannical sadism (for example Kancha Cheena in the movie “Agneepath”), enforcing sadism (which displays compulsive personalities), explosive sadism (which displays borderline personalities), and spineless sadism (which displays avoidant personalities).

Read More: Sexual abuse, types and related disorders

Subclinical Sadism

We all encounter a lot of trolls who take pleasure in seeing the misery and are always trying to propagate hate without any specific cause. One could consider this to be an instance of subclinical sadism. It describes modest or commonplace sadistic inclinations that fall short of violent or illegal actions. Subclinical sadists take pleasure in inflicting little discomfort or suffering, frequently in social or professional contexts, without employing physical force. This could manifest as bullying, manipulation, “dark humour” directed at others, and even a propensity to take pleasure in others’ mistakes or failures.

The movie character, Kabir Singh, demonstrates clinically sadistic characteristics in “Kabir Singh” a Bollywood example of subclinical sadism. Kabir frequently takes pleasure in showing power, and control, and causing emotional distress to his partner Preeti.

Treatment and Management of Sadism

Sadism can be difficult to treat, especially when it appears as a behavioural problem or personality disorder, but it is attainable with the correct treatment approach.  Several popular techniques are:

• Drugs
• Counselling (CBT and DBT)
• Practices of Mindfulness and Meditation
• Social Competencies Instruction on Trauma and Its Underlying Problems
• Training in Empathy and Perspective-Taking Anger Management Strategies

Read More: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Concepts, Types & Techniques

Resolving sadism is a sustained process that calls for dedication and frequently involves the person who is acting as well as if required, those who are impacted by their actions. Whether it takes extreme or subclinical forms, sadism is a complicated psychological trait that can show up as manipulation, control, or taking pleasure in the suffering of others. Despite having a variety of causes, including early trauma, personality disorders, or environmental variables, sadistic behaviour is frequently complex and difficult to recognise. People who exhibit sadistic traits might strive towards better behaviour and relationships with the right support and assistance.