In terms of personality-type theory, control freaks are very much the Type A personality, driven by the need to dominate and control. An obsessive need to control others is also associated with antisocial personality disorder.
The need for control, in extreme cases, stem from deeper psychological issues such as obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders or personality disorders. Control freaks are often perfectionists. They may manipulate or pressure others to change so as to avoid having to change themselves.
They may not trust anyone else to handle things the way they will. Controlling behaviors can also be a symptom of several personality disorders, such as histrionic p ersonality, borderline personality, and narcissistic personality. These disorders can only be diagnosed by a licensed health care professional.
The need for control can stem from deeper psychological issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders or personality disorders. “People who try to dominate you can be exhausting and suffocating.
What is a Type A personality? A Type A personality likes to be in control of their environment and their lives. They're normally not very detail-oriented, choosing to delegate details to others.
The ESTJ – Being too Bossy
Te-dominant individuals easily see errors that need correcting and naturally delegate to get jobs done and tasks completed on time. They are natural leaders and supervisors, and while this is a very good thing, it can give them a reputation for being bossy or controlling.
Deep down, control freaks are terrified of being vulnerable; they're anxious, insecure and angry. They believe they can protect themselves by staying in control of every aspect of their lives. They're very critical of their colleagues and their friends, but underneath their criticism is a mountain of unhappiness.
Yes, narcissists are very controlling. In fact, the clinical definition of narcissism lists controlling as one of the ways narcissists gain control over others. Narcissists are driven by self-obsession. They care only about their own needs, image, desires, goals, and experiences.
In all honesty, control freaks do not even know that they are being that way. They tend to ignore their irrational thoughts or tackling their insecurities. Instead, they try to control people, situations, and (if given the chance) even God's will!
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Deceit and manipulation are also central features. In many cases hostile-aggressive and deceitful behaviors may first appear during childhood. These children may hurt or torment animals or people. They may engage in hostile acts such as bullying or intimidating others.
But antisocial personality disorder is one of the most difficult types of personality disorders to treat. A person with antisocial personality disorder may also be reluctant to seek treatment and may only start therapy when ordered to do so by a court.
And often, being out-of-control or losing control often translates to losing “comfort” (e.g., feeling sad, disappointed, angry); these eight unpleasant emotions move you away from comfort and into an emotional state that feels painful or uncomfortable.
Obsessive compulsive personality disorder
They are preoccupied with orderliness and ways to control their environment, and may come across to others as a "control freak".
Control seekers are often obsessive-compulsive, angry (either overt or passive-aggressive), phobic, or even mood-disordered. These people need control because, without it, they fear things would spiral out of control and their lives would fall apart.
Control freaks have a hard time trusting people or delegating tasks to others. They hate surprises. They fear that without control, their lives will spiral out of control. If they find themselves in a situation where they are not in control, they tend to go ballistic.
Increased anxiety.
Many control freaks experience constant worry. But rather than controlling their inner turmoil, they insist on trying to control the events around them. This approach backfires since they can't control everything all the time--and ultimately, they end up causing themselves to feel even more anxious.
“Being a control freak is a weakness, not a strength. If you can't allow others to shine, you're exhibiting signs of narcissism and showing a lack of self-confidence. It is isolation through ego.”
According to the MBTI® Manual, ISFPs were the type most likely to get upset or angry and show it, as well as the type most likely to get upset or angry and not show it. When I asked ISFPs about this many of them said that they would simply cut off a person who repeatedly made them angry.
ENTJs are often stereotyped as the ruthless, inconsiderate ladder-climbers of the personality community.
The short answer: INFJ (Introverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Judgment) is the most complex Myers-Briggs Personality Type.