USPP
Unit for the Study of Personality in Politics
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Dylan Klebold:
Developmental Considerations
Aubrey Immelman
August 2004
All patterns of pathological personality . . . comprise deeply etched and pervasive characteristics of functioning that unfold as a product of the interplay of constitutional and experiential influences. The behaviors . . . that evolve out of these transactions are embedded so firmly within the individual that they become the very fabric of his or her makeup, operating automatically and insidiously as the individual’s way of life. (Theodore Millon, 1996, p. 609)
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The core component of Dylan Klebold’s personality is the reticent pattern, which in its most maladaptive form presents as avoidant personality disorder, characterized by oversensitivity to shame and humiliation. Klebold’s personality profile also includes secondary negativistic features.
The Reticent Pattern (Avoidant)
http://www.millon.net/taxonomy/avoidant.htm
MIDC Scale 7: The Reticent Pattern
The Reticent pattern, as do all personality patterns, occurs on a continuum ranging from normal to maladaptive. At the well-adjusted pole are watchful, private, socially reserved personalities. Exaggerated Reticent features occur in guarded, insecure, self-conscious personalities. In its most deeply ingrained, inflexible form, the Reticent pattern displays itself in overanxious, mistrustful, reclusive behavior patterns that may be consistent with a clinical diagnosis of avoidant personality disorder or social phobia.
An avoidant personality typically is forged from an inborn predisposition — a threctic, aversive, pain-avoidant infantile reaction pattern — combined with parental rejection or deprecation and peer group alienation (Millon, 1996, pp. 277–280).
The Contentious Pattern (Negativistic)
http://www.millon.net/taxonomy/negativistic.htm
The Contentious pattern, as do all personality patterns, occurs on a continuum ranging from normal to maladaptive. At the well-adjusted pole are cynical, headstrong, resolute personalities. Exaggerated Contentious features occur in complaining, irksome, oppositional personalities. In its most deeply ingrained, inflexible form, the Contentious pattern displays itself in caustic, contrary, negativistic behavior patterns that may be consistent with a clinical diagnosis of negativistic or passive-aggressive personality disorder.
A negativistic personality typically is forged from an inborn predisposition — an irregular, fretful infantile reaction pattern — combined with parental inconsistency, contradictory family communications, family schisms (parental conflict), guilt and anxiety training, and sibling rivalry (Millon, 1996, pp. 565–568).
Reference
Millon, T. (with Davis, R. D.). (1996). Disorders of personality: DSM–IV and beyond (2nd ed.). New York: Wiley.
Dylan Klebold: Personality Profile
Eric Harris: Personality Profile (August 2004)
Indirect Evaluation of
Eric Harris
(April 30, 1999)
Page maintained by Aubrey Immelman
www.csbsju.edu/USPP/Criminal-Profiling/Columbine_Dylan-Klebold-etiology.html
Last updated November 24, 2007