Untitled Essay, Research Paper

On Narcissism: Psychological Theories and Therapeutic Interventions in the

Narcissistic Disorders Introduction Understanding the Narcissistic Phenomenon

The so called ‘narcissistic personality disorder’ is a complex

and often misunderstood disorder. The cardinal feature of the narcissistic

personality is the grandiose sense of self importance, but paradoxically

underneath this grandiosity the narcissist suffers from a chronically fragile

low self esteem. The grandiosity of the narcissist, however, is often so

pervasive that we tend to dehumanize him or her. The narcissist conjures

in us images of the mythological character Narcissus who could only love

himself, rebuffing anyone who attempted to touch him. Nevertheless, it is

the underlying sense of inferiority which is the real problem of the narcissist,

the grandiosity is just a facade used to cover the deep feelings of inadequacy.

The Makeup of the Narcissistic Personality The narcissist’s grandiose

behavior is designed to reaffirm his or her sense of adequacy. Since the

narcissist is incapable of asserting his or her own sense of adequacy, the

narcissist seeks to be admired by others. However, the narcissist’s

extremely fragile sense of self worth does not allow him or her to risk any

criticism. Therefore, meaningful emotional interactions with others are avoided.

By simultaneously seeking the admiration of others and keeping them at a

distance the narcissist is usually able to maintain the illusion of grandiosity

no matter how people respond. Thus, when people praise the narcissist his

or her grandiosity will increase, but when criticized the grandiosity will

usually remain unaffected because the narcissist will devalue the criticizing

person. Akhtar (1989) [as cited in Carson & Butcher, 1992; P. 271] discusses

six areas of pathological functioning which characterize the narcissist.

In particular, four of these narcissistic character traits best illustrate

the pattern discussed above. ” (1) a narcissistic individual has a basic

sense of inferiority, which underlies a preoccupation with fantasies of

outstanding achievement; (2) a narcissistic individual is unable to trust

and rely on others and thus develops numerous, shallow relationships to extract

tributes from others; (3) a narcissistic individual has a shifting

morality-always ready to shift values to gain favor; and (4) a narcissistic

person is unable to remain in love, showing an impaired capacity for a committed

relationship”. The Therapeutic Essence of Treating Narcissism The narcissist

who enters therapy does not think that there is something wrong with him

or her. Typically, the narcissist seeks therapy because he or she is unable

to maintain the grandiosity which protects him or her from the feelings of

despair. The narcissist views his or her situation arising not as a result

of a personal maladjustment; rather it is some factor in the environment

which is beyond the narcissist’s control which has caused his or her

present situation. Therefore, the narcissist expects the therapist not to

‘cure’ him or her from a problem which he or she does not perceive

to exist, rather the narcissist expects the therapist to restore the protective

feeling of grandiosity. It is therefore essential for the therapist to be

alert to the narcissists attempts to steer therapy towards healing the injured

grandiose part, rather than exploring the underlying feelings of in