Tag: Pathological Narcissism

Horrible Families Raise Horrible Adults (with Familias Horribles)

In this insightful podcast discussion, Professor Sam Vaknin delves into the complexities of narcissism, distinguishing between healthy narcissism and pathological narcissism, which arises from early childhood abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics, primarily influenced by the mother. He explains the roles of siblings in narcissistic families, different narcissist types, and the intricate psychological mechanisms like projective splitting and fantasy bonding that sustain narcissistic abuse. Vaknin also clarifies common misconceptions about narcissists versus psychopaths, the challenges of healing, and emphasizes the rarity of true narcissistic personality disorder amidst widespread misinformation. Horrible Families Raise Horrible Adults (with Familias Horribles)

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How Narcissist Infects YOU with a FALSE SELF

The meeting discussed the concept of pathological narcissism as a contagious condition where victims exposed to narcissistic abuse gradually adopt narcissistic traits through developing a transient false self as a defense and coping mechanism. This false self serves as both an imaginary protector and a placating object to navigate the abuser’s unpredictable and manipulative behaviors, undermining the victim’s true self and secure attachment. The speaker emphasized the importance of recognizing this dynamic and advocated for no contact with narcissists as essential for psychological survival and recovery.

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Covert Narcissist’s Sadistic Envy Fantasy (conference presentation)

The intricate relationship between covert narcissism, malicious envy, and sadistic behavior, emphasizing how covert narcissists harbor a deep wish to destroy those they envy due to feelings of inferiority and rivalry. It highlighted findings from a recent Italian study linking grandiose narcissism, narcissistic rivalry, and malicious envy with sadism, illustrating how these traits drive the desire to inflict pain and regain control. The conversation underscored that sadism in narcissism is fundamentally about power and control, often masked by fantasies and pseudo-morality, with covert narcissists exhibiting particularly pronounced passive-aggressive sadistic tendencies.

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