Impenetrable Suit, Susceptible Mind: Iron Man's Personality

Today I’m excited to bring you my first co-authored blog. My colleague is Kyle Wiebers, who is going to graduate from my university this May and plans to start grad school. Kyle and I share a love of pop culture, especially nerdy stuff like superheroes, so today we’d like to discuss Iron Man (Tony Stark) and his complicated personality. Stark is, in his own words, a “genius, billionaire, playboy, [and] philanthropist.” But psychological theory can provide insight into his less healthy characteristics.

Eriksonian Stages of Development

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Erik Erikson suggested that personality is shaped by critical stages of development throughout the lifespan. As a toddler, Stark experienced the stage called “Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt.” Individuals with autonomy will have the confidence to navigate through life’s challenges and will believe in their own decision-making abilities (not being reliant only on others). Stark has passed through this stage. This is evidenced by his drive for innovation as well as his drive to tackle any problem or villain that crosses his path. Through the series of Iron Man movies, Stark confronts a millionaire who used to be his mentor, a Russian terrorist with electric whips, and another genius techno-terrorist. In the film “Iron Man vs. Captain America: Civil War,” he is even willing to battle a close friend when he feels that the larger community is threatened.

The next Eriksonian stage important to understanding Stark’s personality is “Intimacy versus Isolation,” which occurs during young adulthood. Passage through this stage requires an individual to develop intimacy and grow emotionally. People like Stark, who fail to develop intimacy during this stage, face emotional isolation. Stark is a prime example; he enters into superficial relationships which do not give the same satisfaction that a genuine relationship would. Individuals with emotional isolation also tend to avoid emotional commitment because they see a single person’s lifestyle benefits (e.g., freedom, multiple sexual partners). According to Erikson, failure to move beyond these ideas can inhibit emotional growth. Throughout the series, Stark’s girlfriend displays many instances of frustration with Stark when he neglects her or fails to remember important details. For example, he buys her strawberries even though she is allergic to them.

As an adult, Stark is currently in the stage called “Generativity versus Stagnation.” To successfully pass through this stage, one must develop a sense of generativity, or a concern for guiding the next generation, either by parenting or by working with groups of young people. A lack of generativity, also known as stagnation, is a feeling of emptiness or questioning one’s purpose in life. While Stark does not have children of his own, nor does he work with youths, one could argue that by being a worldwide icon, Stark, or Iron Man, has an influence on the next generation by being a superhero and serving as a role model. As Stark continues to develop emotionally, one can see this stage become more prevalent in Stark’s life. An example of this crisis in Stark’s personal journey is seen in his decision to rebuild the destroyed “Stark Tower” and re-christen it “Avengers Tower,” symbolizing his commitment to a team mentality and something larger than himself.

Possible Personality Disorders?

Source: Fiascoist Blog

Finally, the most salient aspect of Stark’s personality is that he may meet criteria for the diagnosis of personality disorders. Stark tends to underestimate the abilities of others; this is especially prevalent in his work with the Avengers. He frequently makes sarcastic comments about the intelligence of his teammates and condescending judgments of their abilities and life choices. He has an exaggerated sense of self which is clearly present for most, if not all, of his life. Along with an exaggerated sense of self comes the tendency to overestimate his own abilities and accomplishments, as well as a preoccupation with being admired and a need to be the center of attention. This fits the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder.

Stark may also meet the criteria for a diagnosis of histrionic personality disorder. Stark always feels the need to be the center of attention and feels unappreciated if anyone else receives attention; this is a problem for group efforts through the Avengers. His need is highlighted with his countless outlandish statements and the fact that he built a Stark Industries tower in the middle of New York City, so everyone would notice him and his business success. Another hallmark symptom of the histrionic disorder is when people wear provocative and unusual clothing; certainly, the iron suit with a glowing heart falls under this criterion. When one suit becomes boring or too well known, he continues to create newer, more complicated, and more advanced suits to impress his audience and fans.

Conclusion

Tony Stark, through his privileged and convoluted childhood and sometimes questionable adult life choices, presents a complex individual. Stark, the victim of neglectful and dismissive parents and an individual with potential personality disorders, is one of the most famous superheroes of our time. Would any role be better for Stark than a billionaire with incredible intellect and resources who doubles as a superhero? The spotlight is what Stark craves and intimate relationships are what he fears. As one of the earth’s mightiest Avengers, Stark is able to have both, living his lavish playboy lifestyle, while also maintaining the attention of the world.

Copyright Wind Goodfriend, Ph.D.