Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, Vol 42(4), Nov 2022, 202-219; doi:10.1037/teo0000198
Maldaimonia is introduced as a concept that is both the counter-point to eudaimonia and a parallel construct. While eudaimonia entails self-realization of potentials in ways that are allocentric, constructive, and/or cooperative, maldaimonia, if it is a viable construct, would entail self-realization through exclusively egocentric, destructive, and/or exploitative activities. It is posited that both eudaimonic and maldaimonic activities are accompanied by a distinct set of cognitive-affective experiences termed feeling of personal expressiveness. Using criteria drawn from eudaimonic identity theory, six types of behaviors are evaluated as possible exemplars of maldaimonia: (a) psychopathy, (b) imposture and con artistry, (c) criminal competencies, (d) terrorism, (e) unscrupulous competition, and (f) playing video games involving extreme violence. It is concluded that several of these behaviors appear to meet the criteria employed. Distinguishing eudaimonia from maldaimonia requires the application of some conceptual standard of ethical conduct. A research agenda is proposed for investigating the construct of maldaimonia. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)