Extreme Environments Research and Consulting by Melanie Boling, Founder of Boling Expeditionary Research.
Malignant narcissism (MN) describes a syndromal configuration at the severe end of pathological narcissism that combines narcissistic personality pathology with antisocial features, ego‑syntonic aggression/sadism, and paranoid tendencies. In isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) settings—e.g., combat units, polar stations, undersea habitats, and spacecraft—MN traits pose outsized risks to team safety, mission performance, and ethical decision‑making.
Individuals with covert (vulnerable) narcissistic traits who also exhibit antisocial tendencies represent a dangerous personality constellation, especially when they occupy positions of power or leadership in extreme environments. Covert narcissism is characterized by hidden grandiosity and entitlement behind a façade of insecurity or defensiveness , while antisocial traits (as seen in sociopathy/psychopathy) include callousness, impulsivity, lack of remorse, and a penchant for manipulation . In leadership roles – from military commanders in combat zones to executives in high-stakes crises – such individuals may outwardly appear competent or even self-sacrificing, yet their psychopathology can undermine group cohesion, ethical decision-making, and mission success.
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and subclinical antisocial traits pose unique challenges to military families during the reintegration phase following deployment. These traits, characterized by impulsivity, lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and disregard for social norms, may be amplified by combat exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and substance use disorders (SUDs). This article synthesizes findings from neuroscience, clinical psychology, and military family research to examine how ASPD and related traits affect marital stability, parenting, and the overall psychosocial functioning of military households.
Borderline and histrionic personality traits represent Cluster B patterns characterized by dramatic, erratic behaviors, emotional intensity, and unstable interpersonal relationships. In ordinary settings these traits can lead to distress and dysfunction, but in extreme environments such as military combat units, remote expeditions, and space missions, their impact may be especially deleterious. These environments demand exceptional teamwork, stability, and emotional regulation; yet individuals with borderline or histrionic traits often struggle with interpersonal dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity. Moreover, tendencies toward hypersexuality or boundary violations can undermine group cohesion and mission focus. This article examines the neurobiological underpinnings of borderline and histrionic personality features (e.g. limbic hyperreactivity, prefrontal dysregulation, stress-axis instability) and analyzes how these traits manifest in high-stakes, confined team settings.
Survivors of narcissistic abuse often suffer from emotional trauma, chronic stress, and disrupted self-identity. Reiki, a hands-on energy healing practice, is sometimes utilized as a complementary therapeutic tool. This paper examines clinical and systematic evidence regarding Reiki’s effects on mental health, anxiety, and quality of life, discussing its theoretical basis, practical applications, benefits, limitations, and considerations for integrating it into trauma-informed recovery.
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