15 Common Traits Of Toxic People, According To Psychologists

Toxic people are individuals who possess negative traits and exhibit consistently harmful behavior toward those around them. They may display a range of negative qualities such as being overly critical, manipulative, controlling, and self-absorbed. Their constant negative behavior can be emotionally draining and toxic to anyone who is exposed to it over an extended period of time.

Toxic individuals may spread negativity, engage in gossip or talk behind others’ backs, and make others feel uncomfortable or unworthy. They may use manipulation tactics like gaslighting, stonewalling, passive-aggressiveness, or blame-shifting to control and dominate others. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to deal with toxic people as they may not be receptive to feedback and may not recognize their negative impact on others. It may require professional help to break the cycle of negative behavior.

It’s important to recognize toxic behavior to protect oneself from being emotionally and mentally drained. It’s also important to set boundaries and limit engagement with toxic people to avoid further harm. Avoid catering to their demands, don’t try to change them, and instead focus on maintaining your own emotional well-being. Finally, remember that it’s not your responsibility to change or fix a toxic person’s behavior, but it’s essential to prioritize your own health and happiness.

Here are the 15 common traits of toxic people, according to psychologists

1. Arrogance

Toxic people often exhibit a sense of arrogance, having an inflated sense of self-importance and thinking they are always right. This type of behavior can be detrimental to those around them, as they may refuse to listen to alternate perspectives or consider the feelings of others. It’s important to recognize and address this behavior to avoid further emotional harm, set necessary boundaries, and prioritize one’s own well-being.

2. Manipulativeness

Toxic people are often characterized by their manipulative behavior, using tactics to control and dominate those around them. This can include anything from guilt-tripping to outright lying and deception. Manipulative individuals may use their power to create fear and exploit emotional vulnerabilities in others. It is important to identify manipulative behavior and seek professional help in setting boundaries and breaking free from its harmful effects.

3. Impulsiveness

Toxic individuals tend to act impulsively, without considering the potential consequences of their actions. This behavior can cause harm to those around them, including emotionally and mentally draining situations. It’s important to recognize impulsiveness as a toxic trait and limit engagement with individuals who exhibit this kind of behavior. If you’re dealing with a toxic person who consistently acts without thinking, setting boundaries and prioritizing your own well-being can be critical to maintaining a healthy and safe environment.

4. Jealousy

Toxic individuals may struggle with feelings of jealousy towards others’ success or accomplishments. These negative feelings can lead to harmful behavior, such as gossiping, backstabbing, or actively sabotaging the success of those they envy. It’s important to recognize this toxic trait and limit engagement with individuals who regularly exhibit this kind of behavior. Remember to focus on your own accomplishments and do not allow toxic people to bring you down.

5. Lack of empathy

Toxic people may lack empathy, making it difficult for them to understand or consider the feelings of others. They may be unable or unwilling to recognize the impact of their behavior on those around them, leading to emotionally draining situations. It’s important to look out for this trait in individuals and prioritize your own well-being by limiting engagement with those who lack empathy. Surround yourself with individuals who are kind, compassionate, and supportive of your emotional and mental health.

6. Entitlement

Toxic people often exhibit entitled behavior, believing that they deserve special treatment and privileges. This sense of entitlement can lead to a lack of consideration for others’ feelings and may cause harmful situations. It’s important to recognize and address this kind of behavior, to establish healthy boundaries and prioritize self-care. Avoid indulging the sense of entitlement of toxic people and be mindful of your own emotional well-being.

7. Selfishness

Toxic individuals often have a self-centered outlook and may disregard the needs and feelings of those around them. They may prioritize their own needs above others, leading to a lack of compassion and understanding. It’s important to recognize and address this behavior, setting boundaries to protect oneself from emotional harm. It’s also essential to surround oneself with individuals who value empathy and reciprocity, promoting a healthy and positive environment.

8. Deceitfulness

Toxic people often use deceitful tactics to manipulate and control others. They may lie, deceive, or manipulate others to get what they want, disregarding the harm it may cause to others. It’s important to recognize and address this behavior, setting boundaries to protect oneself from further harm. It may require professional help to break free from the cycle of toxic behavior. Remember that it’s essential to prioritize your emotional and mental well-being, and it is not your responsibility to change or fix a toxic person’s behavior.

9. Insecurity

Toxic individuals may struggle with deep-seated insecurities, which can cause them to constantly seek validation and attention from others. This needs for external affirmation can lead to manipulation tactics and harmful behaviors as toxic individuals try to maintain their sense of self-worth by controlling others. It’s essential to recognize this behavior and set boundaries when dealing with individuals struggling with insecurities. Avoid giving in to their demands for attention or validation, and instead prioritize your own emotional well-being.

10. Victim mentality

Toxic individuals may play the victim and consistently assign blame to others for the problems they encounter. They may use their victimhood as a tool to manipulate others and gain sympathy or attention. It’s important to recognize this toxic trait and prioritize self-care by limiting engagement with individuals who play the victim. Remember that it’s not your responsibility to solve their problems or fix their behavior. Encourage them to seek professional help if necessary and focus on maintaining a healthy and positive environment.

11. Controlling behavior

Toxic individuals often exhibit controlling behavior, seeking to dictate and micromanage every aspect of their own life and the lives of those around them. This behavior can create an unhealthy environment, and harm the emotional and mental well-being of those who are subject to it. It’s crucial to recognize and address this toxic trait when dealing with individuals who seek to control others, whether through manipulation or other harmful tactics. Remember to prioritize your own well-being and consider establishing boundaries that protect you from toxic behavior. If necessary, seek professional help to break free from the cycle of control and manipulation.

12. Hostile behavior

Toxic individuals often display volatile behavior, including hostility, aggression, or anger toward those around them. This type of behavior can be emotionally and mentally draining, causing harm to individuals subjected to it. It’s important to recognize these toxic traits and set boundaries to protect oneself. Avoid engaging with individuals who display hostility and consider seeking professional help to address the situation. Remember that it is not your responsibility to tolerate or fix toxic behavior. Prioritize your own well-being, and surround yourself with individuals who are kind, supportive, and promote positivity.

13. Lack of accountability

Toxic individuals may struggle with owning up to their mistakes or taking responsibility for their actions. Instead, they may deflect blame onto others, refuse to apologize, or even deny that they have done anything wrong. This type of behavior can be frustrating and hurtful, causing harm to those who are impacted by it. It’s important to recognize this toxic trait and prioritize self-care by limiting engagement with individuals who refuse to take responsibility for their actions or mistakes. Remember that it’s not your responsibility to fix or change the behavior of others. Focus on maintaining a healthy and positive environment, and surround yourself with individuals who value accountability and honesty.

14. Narcissism

Toxic individuals may exhibit narcissistic traits and have an excessive sense of self-importance. They may prioritize their own needs and wants above the needs of others, lacking empathy or consideration for those around them. This type of behavior can be emotionally draining and harmful to those impacted by it. It’s important to recognize narcissistic traits in individuals and set boundaries to protect oneself from further harm. Surround oneself with individuals who promote positivity, empathy, and reciprocity, prioritizing emotional well-being and mental health. Remember that it’s not your responsibility to cater to the demands or desires of a toxic person with a narcissistic personality.

15. Boundary violation

Toxic individuals may consistently test or violate the boundaries of others, which can be harmful and disrespectful. They may disregard the needs and feelings of others, using manipulative tactics to gain control or assert power over others. It’s important to recognize when your boundaries are being tested or violated and to establish healthy boundaries that protect your emotional and mental well-being. Limiting engagement with those who violate boundaries may be necessary to maintain a positive and healthy environment. Remember to prioritize your needs and feelings, and surround yourself with individuals who respect, value, and uphold healthy boundaries in all relationships.

Final thought

It’s important to recognize these traits to identify toxic behavior and protect oneself from further harm. Limiting engagement with toxic people and prioritizing one’s own emotional and mental well-being can be crucial in maintaining a healthy and positive environment.

Source

1. “15 Common Traits of Toxic People, According to Psychologists.” Beauty Health Page.