[Closet Extrovert]

Out of all 16 personality types, which personality type(s) would be the most controlling and malicious (in THEORY)?

[slowriot]

Id say probably the estj or entj but it depends on the circumstances.

[TreeBob]

Together it is hard to pick one. Controlling ESTJ, but they are not malicious at all. ENFJ are manipulative.

I can go with ENTJ for both.

[Caledonia]

Together it is hard to pick one. Controlling ESTJ, but they are not malicious at all. ENFJ are manipulative.

I can go with ENTJ for both.

Why do you say ENFJs are manipulative? Just curious. Could you give some examples or reasons you think this?

[slowriot]

they are notorious for that.

[NephilimAzrael]

Control: ExxJ.. It really doesn't matter in what regard. If E is directed at others and the external world, then whatever Judgement function they utilise will be directed at or affective of others.. When it comes to control therefore, the ExxJ will be first to take over.

Malice: This is odd, I really can't say.. Malice insinuates an emotional basis to something, or a motive of some kind. I think that malice also means that someone has to actually derive pleasure from the action.. Hmmm.. I know NTs can be construed as malicious at times, but in general, the INTxs are not that inclined to incorporate into their lives all that much, not out of necessity. Like what self-respecting introvert needs to derive pleasure from others suffering..

IMO, the ENFP and ENTJ are heavy hitters in the malice circuit.. With ESTJ and ENTP coming in second.

[Caledonia]

they are notorious for that.

Notorious? I've never heard that, nor have I seen it in the ENFJs I know (admittedly a small number but people I am close to). That's why I asked for examples and by that I mean what functions would give rise to manipulation and ways in which it would manifest.

[starri]

Control and malice are separate things entirely.

I would say, imo, that control is a J property and is enhanced by the E. The Ts perhaps in that department are more action oriented and the Fs are more emotional oriented and each works more on their own type (if manipulation is employed)

As for malice it must be separated from mischief.

mal·ice (măl'ĭs) pronunciation
1. A desire to harm others or to see others suffer; extreme ill will or spite.

whereas

mis·chief (mĭs'chĭf) pronunciation n.
1. Behavior that causes discomfiture or annoyance in another.
2. An inclination or tendency to play pranks or cause embarrassment.
3. One that causes minor trouble or disturbance: The child was a mischief in school.

I can't see any type being known for malice except if, as an individual is highly troubled. Yet if I had to choose which type is more susceptible I would definitely go with ENTPs as they take pride in their "evilness". Also not so much that they are known for it, but more that they would be good at it.

As for mischief I think the first place goes to ENFPs... I also read somewhere and witnessed myself ESFJs playing pranks on people for fun. Not in a bad way, but would intentionally make fun of little things in a joking manner about people in groups to make everybody else laugh. It was common for 2 ESFJs I know as well as reading it one of their profiles.

yet my views are highly personal and lacking of experience, except in the field that I cannot see an Fi user deriving pleasure from the pain of others. It just doesn't work that way.

[starri]

Notorious? I've never heard that, nor have I seen it in the ENFJs I know (admittedly a small number but people I am close to). That's why I asked for examples and by that I mean what functions would give rise to manipulation and ways in which it would manifest.

I would guess it's not so much manipulation as it is that they are "emotionally outspoken" in the sense that if you don't do what they ask of you, and it makes them feel sad, they will tell you, they will dramatize it and make it your problem too, until you yield and do it because you care about them and you want them happy.

They probably have the same emotions as everybody else, but another type is more likely to shutup and withdraw. or just plain shun you.. or express it in a weird way.. the ENFJs can and will express the raw emotions.

imo

[Caledonia]

I agree ENFJs are emotionally outspoken, whether the emotion be anger, sadness, love, etc., but rarely have I felt they've made that my problem. Remember, though, I know only two, and I'm quite close to both. I actually appreciate their "outspokenness."