Narcissistic Personality Disorder II

High self-esteem

thinking well of oneself

Narcissism

passionately wanting to think well of oneself

What is the classical Greek myth of Narcissus about?

A young man who fell in love with the image of himself he saw reflected in the water.

What happened to Narcissus in the myth?

He became rooted to the spot and transformed into the narcissus flower.

Who made the first reference to narcissism in 1898?

Ellis.

What did Ellis describe in his 1898 reference to narcissism?

The masturbatory or 'autoerotic' practices of a young man.

Who incorporated the term 'narcissistic' into his early theoretical essays on psychosexual development?

Frued

In what year did Freud first incorporate the term 'narcissistic'?

1905

How did Freud conceptualize the narcissistic phase in development?

As a phase of normal development following an autoerotic phase

What does the narcissistic phase eventually mature into, according to Freud?

Object love

What did Freud believe caused a fixation in the narcissistic stage?

Conflicts in the development of object love

What do Object Relation Theorists posit about narcissism?

Narcissism is a character deficit stemming from inadequate parenting during early development.

What is the 'Rapprochement' Phase in child development?

It is characterized by an alternation of exploration between the environment and returning to the safekeeping of the caretaker, occurring between ages 15-24 months.

What can result from inadequate support during the Rapprochement Phase?

Inadequate support can result from parents who are inconsistent, unavailable, or who place self-centered demands on the child.

What happens during the 'Rapprochement' Phase in Object Relation Theory?

A vulnerable child suffers an injury to his or her emerging self.

What is a 'Narcissistic Injury'?

An injury to a child's emerging self.

How does a child compensate for a Narcissistic Injury?

The child develops a grandiose, false self that will satisfy the needs of the caregivers.

What do Object Relation Theorists believe about emotional pain?

Emotional pain is evident in individuals.

What feelings are associated with the fragile esteem of a false self according to Object Relation Theorists?

A nagging sense of worthlessness, inadequacy, and lack of meaning or pleasure in achievements.

What is a major motive in the Interpersonal Perspective?

The striving to overcome feelings of inferiority arising out of comparisons to others.

What is the process of striving to overcome feelings of inferiority called?

Compensation

What might an individual do if they perceive themselves as deficient relative to others?

They might work exceedingly hard to achieve in that very area.

What is narcissism a result of?

Compensatory actions of an individual who perceived him or herself as unimportant and inferior compared to others.

What is the primary schema of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

View of the self as needing to be special and superior to escape inferiority.

What is one potential pathway toward the schema of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Narcissistic tendencies may be inherited.

How can parenting influence the development of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Parents who overcompensate for feelings of inferiority or unimportance may shape narcissistic tendencies.

How do non-affected individuals handle feelings of inferiority?

They learn to accept and master normal and transient feelings of inferiority.

How do narcissistic individuals perceive feelings of inferiority?

They cast these experiences as threats to be defeated.

What are the primary methods narcissistic individuals use to cope with feelings of inferiority?

Acquiring external symbols and seeking validation.

What happens when narcissistic individuals feel powerless to address threats?

They experience more profound feelings of inferiority or unimportance.

What is a key outcome of narcissistic individuals' strategies to maintain self-esteem?

They develop magnified, overdeveloped strategies of self-aggrandizement.

What do narcissists think about other people?

Other people are thought to be powerful.

Why is recognition and validation important to a narcissist?

It is crucial to the narcissist's sense of worth.

What is a narcissistic compensatory strategy?

To become acutely aware of the flaws of others.

With whom do narcissists prefer to associate?

Those who reflect their most positive, superior image.

What reinforces the overdevelopment of self-aggrandizement in narcissists?

Broader experiences

What do narcissists usually possess that contributes to their self-image?

A culturally valued talent, attribute, or special position

What social responses do narcissists elicit that reinforce their superior/special schema?

Affiliations with social groups or institutions

What beliefs do narcissists espouse?

Beliefs of exclusiveness and superiority

How do narcissists typically view outsiders?

They condemn outsiders

What supports beliefs of self-superiority?

Insulation from negative feedback

What is another factor that supports beliefs of self-superiority?

Intermittent reinforcement of self-display and exploitive behavior

What role does fantasy play in cognitive conceptualization?

It provides cognitive rehearsal of grandiosity and self-preoccupation

What are perceived threats to self-image in cognitive conceptualization?

Looking bad, feeling bad, losing a special status, confronting limits, etc.

What are 'narcissistic insults' or 'narcissistic injuries'?

Perceived threats to self-image.

How does a narcissistic patient typically react when faced with threats to self-image?

They become angry.

What is a common behavior of a narcissistic patient when confronted with self-image threats?

They become self-protective.

What is a surprising behavior of a narcissistic patient when faced with threats to self-image?

They act with surprising disregard for others.

Core Beliefs of Narcissism center around inferiority and/or unimportance

- Only activated under certain circumstances
- Only observed under threats

Manifest Belief is a compensatory attitude of superiority

- "I am a rare and special person"
- "I am superior to others"
- "Other people should recognize how special I am"

Conditional Assumptions of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Evidence of superiority, Narcissistic assumptions

What do narcissists believe provides evidence of their superiority?

Certain circumstances or tangible assets.

What is a common belief of a narcissist regarding success?

They believe they must succeed to prove their superiority.

What types of factors might a narcissist consider as evidence of superiority?

Community influence, income level, physical attractiveness.

What are examples of material trappings that narcissists might value?

The 'right' car or living in the 'right' neighborhood.

What types of personal achievements do narcissists often seek?

Personal awards or associations that are exclusive or coveted.

What do narcissistic assumptions suggest about personal value?

That achievements, position, possessions, or public recognition indicate personal value, or lack thereof.

What is a common belief held by individuals with narcissistic assumptions regarding success?

If I'm not successful, then it means I'm not worthwhile.

What happens to self-esteem when outward signs of success are lost or unattainable in narcissistic individuals?

Self-esteem will plummet.

How do narcissists view relationships?

As tools for their own distinction.

What do narcissists spend a great deal of energy doing?

Comparing themselves to others and judging their worth.

What will a narcissist do if they see potential in someone?

They will idealize and pursue that person.

How do narcissists treat those they view as ordinary or inferior?

They will dismiss or exploit them for gain and then discard them.

What is a common thought of a narcissist regarding people?

Few people are worth my time; the rest bore me.

What is the value of others to a narcissist?

The value of others rests in how they can serve or admire the narcissist.

How does a narcissist react if they feel they are not treated as special?

They may interpret this as an indication of being seen as inferior, triggering defensive reactions.

What anxiety do narcissists experience regarding special attention?

Narcissists experience anxiety if they believe someone else is commanding special attention from a person they hold important.

What can happen in a relationship if a narcissist feels threatened?

It can create a relationship crisis.

What is an example of a narcissistic reaction to loss of attention?

A narcissistic man may initiate an affair when he feels a loss of attention from his partner after the birth of their child.

How is power used in the context of entitlement?

As a device of superiority.

What belief is associated with power and entitlement?

If I am powerful enough, I can be totally confident and free of doubt.

What are some means of demonstrating power?

Altering boundaries, making unilateral decisions, controlling others, determining exceptions to rules.

What is likely to happen when a patient loses power?

It is apt to be a crisis, provoking significant hostility, resistance, and possible depression.

What do narcissistic individuals believe about image?

Narcissistic individuals believe that 'image is everything.'

What do narcissistic individuals use their image as?

Image is the armor of their self-worth.

What is of paramount concern for narcissistic individuals?

Maintaining their image.

How do narcissistic individuals perceive themselves?

They perceive themselves as always on display.

What do automatic thoughts in narcissistic individuals typically exaggerate?

The likelihood of being noticed in a positive sense.

What is a common thought among narcissistic individuals regarding admiration?

'God admires me.'

What can trigger extreme disturbance in narcissistic individuals?

Failure to look good or be admired.

What can failure to maintain their image trigger in narcissistic individuals?

Angry, self-doubting ruminations and fears associated with negative core beliefs.

What is the belief associated with Image Preservation?

The belief in the importance of appearances extends to those whom the patient views as extensions of themselves

What assumption do narcissists make about their spouse or child?

They assume 'My spouse/child has to make me look good.'

What happens if a spouse or child fails to perform admirably for a narcissist?

The narcissist may ridicule, punish, or torment them

What happens if a spouse or child succeeds in admirable performance and challenges a narcissist?

They may be ridiculed, punished, or tormented.

What are Active Compensatory Strategies?

Strategies used by narcissistic individuals to reinforce self-aggrandizing beliefs.

What do narcissistic individuals attempt to avoid?

Experiences of discomfort or vulnerability.

What do narcissists have big dreams of?

Fame, ideal romantic love, or power

Goal of Active Compensatory Strategies

- Gain admiration
- Demonstrate superiority
- Become invulnerable to pain or loss of esteem
- Three strategies express this action orientation...

Types of Active Compensatory Strategies

Self-Reinforcing Strategies, Self-Expanding Strategies, Self-Protecting Strategies

What is a self-reinforcing strategy that involves seeking flattering feedback?

Solicitation of flattering feedback

What behavior might someone exhibit to reinforce their power and importance?

Behaving in an arrogant, condescending manner towards persons in subordinate positions

What do Self-Reinforcing strategies seem to say?

"See how important and influential I am?!"

What do narcissists take seriously in relation to status?

The accumulation of symbolic measures of status, perfection, and power.

What do some narcissists gravitate towards?

Material possessions with emotional investment in the status of things.

What may narcissists focus on besides material possessions?

Achievement or recognition.

How may some narcissists appear regarding appearance or material things when they value achievement or recognition?

They may appear to care little about appearance or material things.

Motto of Self-Expanding Strategies

"The best is good enough for me"

What are self-protecting strategies?

Strategies that aim to ward off threats to the distorted self-image.

What types of threats do self-protecting strategies address?

Idiosyncratic threats that may be perceived in many forms.