The Psychology of Evil and Toxic Relationships

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, in his new work titled The Psychology of Evil and Toxic Relationships, draws attention to the increasing spread of evil, malicious language, and toxic relationships, as well as the rise of anomie that has come to dominate our lives in place of value and meaning oriented living. Emphasizing that evil must first be recognized to prevent its normalization, Tarhan invites readers to adopt a perspective that warns against the traps of evil and promotes goodness across a broad framework, extending from one’s inner world to daily life, from social relationships to professional life and politics.

The book begins with understanding the human being, the self, and the ego, then examines the benevolent and malevolent tendencies within us. It discusses the neurobiology of our positive and negative inclinations along with mental evidence. While addressing personality types prone to evil, toxic individuals, and the traps of wrongdoing, it also offers value centered and goodness focused solutions to the conditions that arise when the hierarchy of values is disrupted.

Key quote:

“One who does not know evil falls into its trap.” Umar ibn al Khattab

Why is this book important?

At a time when events that wound the social conscience occur one after another, this work places a lens on the human tendency toward evil. The author highlights issues that require collective reflection in order to avoid committing evil and falling into its traps at both the individual and societal levels. He aligns the necessity of a faith and meaning oriented life with the findings of modern psychology.

The Psychology of Evil and Toxic Relationships: Where Is the Devil?
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, MD

Publisher: Timaş Publishing
Series: Psychology Library
Page number: 400 pages
Publication date: March 2025
ISBN: 978-605-08-4904-2