The need for control, in extreme cases, stems from deeper psychological issues such as obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders or personality disorders. Control freaks are often perfectionists. They may manipulate or pressure others to change so as to avoid having to change themselves.
Type C personalities tend to be quite controlling, both of themselves and others. They don't like things to get out of hand and may appear stoic because they don't really want themselves to display a lot of emotion.
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)
need to keep everything in order and under control. set unrealistically high standards for yourself and others. think yours is the best way of doing things. worry about you or others making mistakes.
Causes of Controlling Behavior
The most common are anxiety disorders and personality disorders. People with anxiety disorders feel a need to control everything around them in order to feel at peace. They may not trust anyone else to handle things the way they will.
The ESTJ – Being too Bossy
Te-dominant individuals easily see errors that need correcting and naturally delegate to get jobs done and tasks completed on time. They are natural leaders and supervisors, and while this is a very good thing, it can give them a reputation for being bossy or controlling.
Our study, published in Personality and Individual Differences, identified a group of individuals with dark traits who report above average empathic capacities – we call them "dark empaths". Since this study, the dark empath has earned a reputation as the most dangerous personality profile.
According to the MBTI® Manual, ISFPs were the type most likely to get upset or angry and show it, as well as the type most likely to get upset or angry and not show it. When I asked ISFPs about this many of them said that they would simply cut off a person who repeatedly made them angry.
Another common trait of narcissism is manipulative or controlling behavior. A narcissist will at first try to please you and impress you, but eventually, their own needs will always come first. When relating to other people, narcissists will try to keep people at a certain distance in order to maintain control.
Deep down, control freaks are terrified of being vulnerable; they're anxious, insecure and angry. They believe they can protect themselves by staying in control of every aspect of their lives. They're very critical of their colleagues and their friends, but underneath their criticism is a mountain of unhappiness.
The need for control, in extreme cases, stem from deeper psychological issues such as obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders or personality disorders. Control freaks are often perfectionists. They may manipulate or pressure others to change so as to avoid having to change themselves.
Perhaps the most sensitive of all the personality types, INFJs take it hard when someone they trust lets them down. They tend to hold on to anger longer than they should and are capable of holding a grudge even when the other person has apologized, repeatedly, for their wrongdoing.
ESTJs have a tendency to think they are always right and that their moral compass is objective, absolute and universal.
It has been established that cluster-C personality traits are common in patients with OCD.
Deceitfulness and exceptional manipulative abilities are the most common traits among antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. It is the major feature found in the dark triad personality traits, particularly Machiavellianism.
Histrionic Personality
A pervasive pattern of excessive emotional display and attention-seeking. Individuals with this personality are excessively dramatic and are often viewed by the public as the “Queen of drama” type of individual. They are often sexually seductive and highly manipulative in relationships.
A control freak in the workplace is a totally toxic, confidence and happiness-killing distraction no one needs. But you can't change them. In fact, trying to change a control freak -to make them respect you, appreciate you, or even just stop being such an overbearing nuisance in your life--will make you crazy.
Control is typically a reaction to the fear of losing control. People who struggle with the need to be in control often fear being at the mercy of others, and this fear may stem from traumatic events that left them feeling helpless and vulnerable.
Being a control freak is a weakness, not a strength. If you can't allow others to shine, you're exhibiting signs of narcissism and showing a lack of self-confidence. It is isolation through ego.
In all honesty, control freaks do not even know that they are being that way. They tend to ignore their irrational thoughts or tackling their insecurities. Instead, they try to control people, situations, and (if given the chance) even God's will!
Insecurity and anxiety can lead to controlling behavior. Instead of using healthy coping skills, controlling people want to control the world around them in an attempt to feel better. Often, controlling behavior is the result of a mental condition that causes a person to have abnormal social expectations.
Thanks to their blunt and serious mannerisms, INTJs are also one of the personality types most likely to be branded intimidating. Unlike charismatic ENTJs, INTJs tend to be reserved and distant.
People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often experience very intense mood swings.
The silent treatment is a form of emotional abuse typically employed by people with narcissistic tendencies.