The truth about lies, mass hysteria, narcissism and the dark ego.

The Dark-Ego-Vehicle Principle (DEVP) is a concept rooted in psychological and sociological studies that explains how individuals or groups use socially destructive behaviors to serve their ego or personal interests. The principle posits that people may engage in actions that harm others, society, or even themselves to maintain or enhance their self-esteem, status, or power. This is the foundation of normative group think.

Core Components of DEVP

At its core, DEVP revolves around actions motivated by ego enhancement or protection. Individuals who feel threatened or seek to assert dominance may resort to unethical or harmful behaviors to achieve their goals. The "vehicle" in DEVP refers to the methods or means through which the ego is served. This can include manipulation, deceit, aggression, or other forms of socially harmful behaviors. The principle underscores the negative consequences these ego-driven actions have on society, leading to increased conflict, inequality, and societal dysfunction.

Examples in Society

In the business world, DEVP can be observed in cases where corporate leaders prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations. For instance, the 2008 financial crisis was partly fueled by executives in financial institutions taking reckless risks to secure bonuses and prestige, despite the known risks to the broader economy. These actions served their ego at the expense of millions of people who lost their jobs, homes, and savings.

Politicians may engage in deceitful or divisive tactics to maintain or gain power. An example is the use of misinformation during election campaigns. The spread of false information to discredit opponents or mislead voters serves the politician’s ego-driven goal of winning, but it undermines democratic processes and societal trust.

Reasons Behind DEVP

Individuals with narcissistic tendencies are more prone to engage in DEVP because their self-worth is heavily tied to external validation. They may go to great lengths, including harming others, to protect or elevate their ego.

Societies that emphasize individualism and competition over collectivism and cooperation may foster environments where DEVP is more prevalent. In such cultures, personal success is often prioritized over community well-being, leading to behaviors that align with DEVP.

Power imbalances can exacerbate DEVP. Those in positions of power may feel entitled to engage in destructive behaviors without fear of repercussions, as their status insulates them from the consequences that others might face.

Research and Studies

Research on DEVP is intertwined with studies on narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sociopathy—collectively known as the "Dark Triad" of personality traits. According to Paulhus and Williams (2002), these traits are often linked to behaviors that harm others for personal gain. The principle also ties into the broader body of work on social dominance theory, which explores how individuals and groups use power and manipulation to maintain social hierarchies (Sidanius & Pratto, 1999).

A study by Kets de Vries (2004) highlights how narcissistic leadership can have detrimental effects on organizations and society, as leaders driven by ego often make decisions that prioritize their interests over those of others. Another relevant study by Campbell, Bush, Brunell, and Shelton (2005) discusses how individuals with high levels of narcissism are more likely to engage in exploitative behaviors, further illustrating the principles of DEVP.

The Dark-Ego-Vehicle Principle provides a framework for understanding how destructive behaviors are often driven by the need to protect or enhance one’s ego. In society, this principle manifests in various ways, from corporate misconduct to political manipulation and toxic online behavior. The reasons behind these actions are complex, rooted in personality traits, cultural values, and power dynamics. Understanding DEVP can help in addressing and mitigating its impact on society by promoting ethical behavior, accountability, and empathy.

Understanding Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI)

Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI), also known as mass hysteria or collective hysteria, refers to the rapid spread of symptoms or behaviors in a group that appear to be linked to an illness or condition but have no identifiable physical cause. MPI is rooted in psychological factors, often triggered by stress, anxiety, or a shared belief within a group. While the symptoms are real to those experiencing them, they are not caused by any physical disease or environmental factor. Like DEVP, it also fuels normative group think.

Key Characteristics of MPI

MPI typically begins with an individual or a small group who start to exhibit symptoms, which then rapidly spread through the larger group. The symptoms can range from headaches, dizziness, and fainting to more severe reactions like convulsions or paralysis.

Despite extensive investigations, no organic cause is found to explain the symptoms. This distinguishes MPI from other forms of illness, where a pathogen, toxin, or other environmental factors can be identified. The spread of symptoms is driven by psychological factors, particularly the power of suggestion and the collective emotional state of the group. Individuals within the group may unconsciously mimic the symptoms they observe in others.

Examples in Society

Schools are a common setting for MPI, as seen in cases where students suddenly start to experience symptoms like fainting, nausea, or difficulty breathing. One notable example occurred in Le Roy, New York, in 2011, where several high school students developed tics and other neurological symptoms. Despite extensive testing, no environmental or infectious cause was found, leading experts to conclude it was a case of MPI.

MPI can also occur in workplaces, particularly in high-stress environments. For instance, in 1983, workers at a textile factory in the USA reported symptoms such as dizziness and nausea after rumors spread that they had been exposed to a toxic substance. No toxins were found, and the episode was later classified as MPI.

The rise of social media and constant news cycles can exacerbate the spread of MPI. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, there were reports of people experiencing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath after reading about others with similar symptoms, despite not having been exposed to the virus. The media's role in amplifying fears can contribute to the spread of MPI.

Reasons Behind MPI

High levels of stress and anxiety, often triggered by environmental factors or social pressures, are common precursors to MPI. When individuals are under significant stress, their bodies may manifest this in physical symptoms, which can then spread to others in a similar state. People are more likely to experience symptoms if they are suggestible, meaning they are easily influenced by the behavior and symptoms of others. This is particularly true in close-knit communities or groups where members are in frequent contact and share similar concerns or anxieties.

Cultural beliefs and social dynamics play a crucial role in MPI. In societies where there is a strong emphasis on collective behavior or where there are existing fears about health or safety, MPI can spread more easily. Additionally, stigma around mental health may lead people to express psychological distress through physical symptoms, further fueling the spread.

Research and Studies

Mass Psychogenic Illness has been studied extensively in various settings, with a focus on its psychological and social underpinnings. Wessely (1987) examined the role of social factors in the spread of MPI, noting that group dynamics and shared beliefs are critical in understanding why these episodes occur. A study by Bartholomew and Wessely (2002) delves into historical and contemporary cases of MPI, highlighting the role of mass media in spreading symptoms across populations.

More recent research has explored the impact of social media on MPI, with scholars like Albrecht (2021) discussing how digital platforms can accelerate the spread of psychogenic symptoms by amplifying anxiety and facilitating rapid communication. These studies emphasize the importance of understanding MPI within the context of modern society, where information (and misinformation) spreads quickly and widely.

Social and Cultural Expectations

In many cultures, women are often socialized to be more emotionally expressive and attuned to the emotions and well-being of others. This heightened emotional sensitivity can make women more vulnerable to the spread of psychogenic symptoms, as they may be more likely to empathize with or internalize the distress they observe in others.

Women are generally more likely to seek social support and discuss their feelings with others, which can inadvertently contribute to the spread of symptoms within a group. This social connectivity, while beneficial in many contexts, may facilitate the transmission of psychogenic symptoms during an MPI outbreak.

Psychological Factors

Research suggests that women are more likely to experience stress and anxiety than men, due in part to the pressures of balancing multiple roles, such as work, family, and caregiving responsibilities. High levels of stress and anxiety are significant triggers for MPI, making women more susceptible.

Some studies indicate that women may be more suggestible than men, meaning they are more likely to be influenced by the behaviors, emotions, and symptoms of those around them. This heightened suggestibility can play a role in the rapid spread of MPI in female-dominated groups.

Historical and Epidemiological Patterns

Epidemiological Data and Historical data on MPI outbreaks often show a higher prevalence among women. For example, in school-related MPI cases, female students are frequently more affected than their male counterparts. This pattern has been consistent across different cultures and time periods.

Historically, women have been more often associated with cases of "hysteria" and other psychosomatic disorders. While these labels are outdated and rooted in gender biases, they reflect a long-standing perception (and, arguably, a misdiagnosis) of women being more prone to such conditions.

Research and Studies

A study by Small and Borus (1983) found that the majority of individuals affected by MPI in school settings were adolescent girls, attributing this to factors such as stress and social dynamics specific to female students.

Wessely (1995) discusses the role of social and cultural factors in making women more vulnerable to MPI, particularly in environments where they are under significant psychological or social stress.

Mass Psychogenic Illness is a complex phenomenon that reflects the interplay between psychological, social, and cultural factors. It illustrates how stress, anxiety, and suggestibility can manifest in physical symptoms that spread rapidly through a group, even in the absence of a physical cause. As society becomes increasingly interconnected, particularly through digital media, the potential for MPI to spread may grow, making it essential to understand and address the underlying factors that contribute to these outbreaks.

~Fin

Hi, I'm Thomas. I write about things that interest and concern me. I don't care if you follow, like, click, share or comment.

References

1. Wessely, S. (1987). Mass hysteria: Two syndromes? Psychological Medicine, 17(1), 109-120.
2. Bartholomew, R. E., & Wessely, S. (2002). Madness of crowds: Historical and contemporary cases of mass psychogenic illness. Routledge.
3. Albrecht, G. (2021). Social media and the spread of psychogenic illness. Journal of Affective Disorders, 292, 127-132.
4. Paulhus, D. L., & Williams, K. M. (2002). The Dark Triad of personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Journal of Research in Personality, 36(6), 556-563.
5. Sidanius, J., & Pratto, F. (1999). Social dominance: An intergroup theory of social hierarchy and oppression. Cambridge University Press.
6. Kets de Vries, M. F. R. (2004). Organizations on the Couch: A Clinical Perspective on Organizational Dynamics. European Management Journal, 22(2), 183-200.
7. Campbell, W. K., Bush, C. P., Brunell, A. B., & Shelton, J. (2005). Understanding the social costs of narcissism: The case of the tragedy of the commons. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 31(10), 1358-1368.