Sadism

Sadism — the fourth trait added to the dark triad to form the dark tetrad (with narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) — is characterized by experiencing pleasure from the physical or psychological suffering of others. Unlike psychopaths, who may harm others but often have other motivations, sadists are intrinsically motivated by the pleasure of inflicting cruelty, whether direct (inflicts pain for gratification) or indirect/vicarious (enjoys seeing others in pain without being responsible). It exists on a spectrum from “everyday sadism” (enjoying violent media or online trolling) to more severe forms associated with personality disorders (recurrent and intense sexual arousal from others’ physical or psychological pain). Sadistic personality disorder was historically defined by a pattern of cruelty, humiliation, and the use of physical violence or threats to control others, often for the pleasure of domination. One theory suggests it can be a way to boost self-esteem by experiencing positive feelings from harming others, especially in response to disrespect or anger. The term sadism (French sadism) or “love of cruelty,” was coined in 1888 from the name of Count Donatien A.F. de Sade (1740-1815). Not a marquis, though usually now called one, he was notorious for the cruel sexual practices described in his novels.