Problem

Narcissism

Other Names:
Narcissistic personality disorders
Narcissistic behaviour disorders
Self-absorption
Self-importance
Nature:

Narcissism, a psychoanalytical concept, is broadly defined as the inability to empathize with anyone but oneself. Not all who undertake a search for self-knowledge are narcissistic, but that search can become sidetracked into excessive self-interest and self-congratulation. Youth have always been especially vulnerable, but the contemporary mania for personal fulfillment has brought with it an epidemic of narcissism-related problems among adults.

Narcissistic people have a grandiose sense of self-importance, a feeling of being "special" without appropriate achievements. They have frequent fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty and brilliance that cannot be satisfied by pursuing realistic goals. They require constant attention, admiration and proof of being loved; consequently their lives are absorbed by the need to please others so as to win attention and approval. They take advantage of others to achieve their ends. They are preoccupied with feelings of envy and can seldom cope with criticism. They often feel themselves to be above the rules of ordinary behaviour.

Incidence:

There are two main forms of narcissism: grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism.  People who show hallmarks of grandiose narcissism are likely to exhibit grandiosity, aggression and dominance over others. This type of narcissism is associated with overt self-enhancement, denial of weaknesses, intimidating demands of entitlement and devaluation of people that threaten self-esteem.  A claimed example is former United States President Donald Trump.

Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems
Date of last update
08.03.2022 – 17:09 CET