Narcissism

Narcissism is a term that originates from the Greek mythology of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. In psychology, narcissism is a concept that refers to a personality trait or disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others.

Etymology

The term "narcissism" is derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a handsome young man who rejected the desperate advances of the nymph Echo. As a punishment, he was doomed to fall in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, staring at it for the remainder of his life.

Psychological Perspectives

In psychology, narcissism is viewed from several perspectives:

Psychoanalytic Perspective

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, used the term narcissism to describe a stage in the normal developmental process. Freud suggested that, during the narcissistic phase of development, a child's emotional investment is primarily focused on their own needs and wants.

Social-Personality Perspective

From a social-personality perspective, narcissism is considered a personality trait, characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

Clinical Perspective

In the clinical perspective, narcissism is viewed as a pathological disorder known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Individuals with NPD exhibit extreme feelings of self-importance, a constant need for attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides the clinical definition and the diagnostic criteria for NPD.

Treatment

Treatment for narcissism or NPD typically involves psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help the individual recognize unhealthy patterns of thought and behavior, develop healthier and more accurate understandings of others, and build skills to interact more effectively with others.

See Also

• Narcissistic abuse
• Narcissistic parents
• Narcissistic supply
• Narcissistic rage and narcissistic injury