TITLE:
Psychopathology of Joseph Stalin
AUTHORS:
Marina Stal
KEYWORDS:
Sociopath; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Dictator; Stalin
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.4 No.9B,
September
16,
2013
ABSTRACT:
Between 1928 and
1953, Joseph Stalin was the undisputed totalitarian dictator of the former Soviet
Union whose “reign of fear” continues to maintain its egregious reputation. An
examination of Stalin’s documented behaviors attempts to evaluate any signs of
psychopathology in accordance with DSM-IV-TR criteria. Evidence of a troubled
upbringing, depression, paranoia, and alcohol abuse suggests psychopathology as
an implicating factor behind Stalin’s actions. Utilizing such a perspective may
allow for future distinctions of individuals deemed responsible for horrendous
atrocities.