Douglas MacArthur: Disordered Narcissist

Authors

Robert Gilbert, Illinois Wesleyan UniversityFollow

Abstract

General Douglas MacArthur is one of the United States Military’s most controversial commanders as well as one of its most celebrated. Despite being highly decorated for his many years of service, his legacy is marred by criticisms of his tactical skill and accusations of arrogance. This essay presents a psychohistorical examination of MacArthur's personality and its effect on his career. It supports the claims that his actions and attitudes fit the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder and that this disorder led to his eventual firing.

Recommended Citation

Gilbert, Robert (2014) "Douglas MacArthur: Disordered Narcissist," Constructing the Past: Vol. 15: Iss. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/constructing/vol15/iss1/5