Emotional Vampires at work ideas from Albert J. Bernstein

I have been reading, Emotional Vampires, by Albert J. Bernstein, PhD.

In this book the author uses the “sexy” and contemporary hook of emotional vampires to refer to individuals who have personality disorders of specific types. The diagnostic manual of the APA defines personality disorders as: an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture. The pattern is manifested in two (or more) of the following areas: ways of perceiving and interpreting self, other people; range, intensity, and appropriateness of emotional response; interpersonal functioning; impulse control.

In this book he focuses on 5 of the 11 different personality disorders considered in the APA DSM manuals; antisocial, histrionic, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, and paranoid.

The thing that makes this book very interesting in consideration of the workplace is that these five types are really very attractive individuals in the workforce. These individuals are not necessarily severely disordered—but they are severely damaging to the workplace and other people who work with them. The author focuses not on the degree of the disorder but on the patterns and consistency of the behavior.

The Antisocial Vampire
The antisocial vampire is not what most of us would think. The antisocial vampire is NOT reclusive, withdrawn, or unfit for society. They are called antisocial because they know the rules of society, but they choose to ignore the rules to fulfill their own desires or needs. This is the place where the author begins to liken emotional vampires to the psychopathic personality. He recognizes the dilemma that society supports, nurtures, and protects psychopaths. These individuals tend to be a charming, confident, and know just how to bolster our sense of well-being.

The author gives the interesting suggestion that without these individuals our “normal” life would be boring. He even implies that many of our favorite cultural icons would not exist with out the charm and charisma of these individuals.

Other types posted soon
Bernstein, A. J. (2001). Emotional Vampires. McGraw Hill ISBN 978-0-07-138167-3