Understanding Hybristophilia
Hybristophilia is a paraphilia, defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), as a sexual interest in and attraction to those who commit crimes, are aggressors, or are otherwise known to be offenders. It is sometimes informally referred to as "prison groupie syndrome" or "Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome". This attraction is most commonly observed in women.
The Connection to Donald Trump
The term has been invoked by pundits and social media users to discuss the phenomenon of strong support for Trump despite the numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and his many legal battles.
Public Dialogue: Articles and social media posts have used the concept to explore the psychological underpinnings of some of his supporters' loyalty, particularly in the context of a "fix him" fantasy, which is a common theme observed in studies of hybristophilia and attraction to high-profile criminals.
Media Analysis: News sources discuss the ways Trump's persona or his legal troubles may inadvertently draw support from individuals who exhibit traits associated with hybristophilia, comparing it to the public's fascination with infamous serial killers like Ted Bundy.
Online Trends: The discussion has been amplified by social media platforms like TikTok, where content romanticizing controversial or criminal figures is prevalent. Studies have found that engagement with such content can be linked to higher levels of attraction to offenders, which some sources connect to the discourse around Trump.
