THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MICHAEL SCOTT FROM "THE OFFICE"

 

The regional manager of Dunder Mifflin, Michael Scott, is possibly one of the most original characters of all time, with some really interesting characteristics. He cares about art, people, wants to give back, loves making friends and is usually a good guy. At the same time, he can be racist, sexist, chauvinistic and culturally tactless. He acts childish, collects knowledge about the world and has a hard time learning how his words or actions might affect other people. Michael is filled with complexity but yet is very relatable, reminding us that there's a little of Michael Scott in all of us. 

If Michael Scott had a personality disorder, what would it be? The most suitable would be Histrionic Personality Disorder. According to Wikipedia, it is characterized by a pattern of excessive attention-seeking behavior, usually beginning in early childhood, including inappropriate seduction and excessive desire for approval. Michael meets a lot of the criteria from this disorder.

1. A strong need for attention and to be liked by others 

Throughout the episodes, Michael gets uncomfortable in situations where he's not the center of attention. For example, when it was Michael's birthday, but Kevin couldn't join in celebrating because he was waiting to hear from his dermatologist if he had skin cancer. So, Michael got really upset and frustrated. 

2. Elevated sense of self

Michael has a strong belief that he is better than the other people in the office and that he is the superior one. He cannot handle threats to his ego.

3. Considers relationships as more intimate than they really are

For example, him calling his office members as a "family", or being extra friendly to people he only met once. 

4. Exaggerated expression of emotions

It is absolutely true of Michael as he is pretty dramatic at times. 

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5. Interaction with others is characterized by inappropriate, sexually provocative behavior. 

6. Distressed/Impaired

Michael is often distressed knowing that he might not be doing enough as a boss, or when people get offended on his jokes rather than laughing at them. 

7. Suggestible i.e. easily influenced by others and circumstances

Michael Scott can get manipulated, persuaded or swayed pretty easily. He is often seen confused between several options because of others' opinions. For example, when he had to fire someone at the end of the month and couldn't pick between Devon and Creed as they kept telling him to pick the other than themselves. 

Other than Histrionic Personality Disorder, I think Michael Scott also resonates a little with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. 

- He is always striving to do or say things the best way possible out of all and has a strong belief that he is better than everyone else, no matter what. Because of his grandiosity, some people might argue that he is a narcissist. 

- Plus, he has an inflated self esteem, which means, he is pretty insecure about himself at times.

He also has a fear of abandonment, as he always wants to be around people and is often seen trying really hard to keep friends with everyone around. This in turn is associated with Borderline Personality Disorder.

There's a possible childhood trauma involved. Maybe Michael did not get enough attention as a child, and so being around people and being well-liked has become an important part of his life. 

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