Narcissism Theories

by Mallory GosiacoSpring 10

Narcissism defined Individual is

infatuated with themselves

Obsesses over own achievements

Feel they are superior to everyone

Believe they are too unique for anyone to understand them

Lack empathy for others

Exploits others

Psychoanalytical Approach

Freud recognized narcissism as normal stage of development

Found narcissists can be to a degree, perverse

Psychoanalytical Approach cont’d…

Narcissism is the Id in overdrive

Recognize they have a lot to “talk through”

Trait Approach

Low self-monitor(Do not care what others think of you)

Arrogant behavior just a trait gone to the extreme

Biological Approach

Genetics are to blame

Medicine ineffective, individuals resist administration

Behavioral Approach

Patterns of unhealthy reactions to normal situations

Feeling threatened, in turn, individual overcompensates

Behavioral Approach cont’d…

Therapy is a difficult process

Individuals tend to provoke their therapists

Humanistic Approach

Narcissists react the way they do because throughout life they have been told they are not “allowed” to be who they are

Individuals mask damage which needs to be addressed

Cognitive Approach

Withdrawal from reality, disregard for relationships which do not benefit them

Play mind games to make them feel better: others succeed because of luck; I failed because of external causes

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