A Study of Narcissism :: Psychology Essays

A Study of vanity lacking(p) works citedSpanning back to the era of ancient classical mythology, narcissism is currently recognized as an infatuation and obsession with ones egotism to the exclusion of all others, and as the egocentric pursuit of ones gratification, dominance and ambition (Vaknin 1). This egocentric disoblige is named after the ancient Greek myth of Narcissus- a man so enchanted by his testify reflection that he pined away before it. The origin of narcissism as an acknowledged psychosis is deeply rooted in the mythological source of its in truth namesake. Narcissus obsession with image shows his ego-idolization, but likewise hints toward an insecurity regarding identity and self worth (Alford 3). According to Ovids classic account, Narcissus is quoted saying Am I the whapr or beloved? Then why make love? Since I am what I long for, then my riches be So broad they make me poor. (Ovid 464) Parallel in character to Narcissus, thos e diagnosed with his disorder are consumed by an exaggerated drive for supremacy and control. Characteristic also is a predilection toward entitlement. Narcissists tend to the notion that one is worthy of great admiration and esteem, regardless of his or her accomplishments (Vaknin 5). Present psychology diagnoses this sort of self-fascination as a distinctive mental health illness - Narcissistic personality Disorder, or NPD as documented in the fourth edition of the symptomatic and Statistics Manuel (1994). Common characteristics of an individual afflicted by the disorder include feelings of grandiosity, desiring a state of unequalled brilliance, the need for constant affirmation, and the interpersonal exploitation(DSM 1994) of others for self- achievement. Narcissism is usually seen as an infatuation with self so acute that the eudaimonia of others is ignored. This is due to the narcissistic opinion that people exterior to the self exactly serve to mirror ones own importance. As analyze by Freud, the story of Narcissus and its resulting condition can be divided into devil categories regressive versus progressive (Alford 35). Freud interprets narcissistic behavior as neither pallid nor healthy, but indicative of the normal human condition.