Narcissistic Rage and the Murder of Allison Baden-Clay

Abstract

The trial and the appeals in relation to the killing of Allison Baden-Clay in Queensland in 2012 focused attention upon the role of relevance of motive and thereby intention in what was ultimately found to be the murderous conduct of her husband Gerard Baden-Clay. There are strong grounds for concluding that he had narcissistic personality disorder, a consequence of which can be particular susceptibility to narcissistic injury and thereafter narcissistic rage if the person perceives themselves threatened by attack to their reputation and integrity. This article reviews the extensive clinical literature on narcissism, insofar as it has potential relevance to the commission of crimes of violence and argues that identifying Baden-Clay as having the disorder provides a useful psychological insight into his conduct.