Malignant narcissism 5700626 225170630 2008-07-12T07:23:36Z 75.83.85.172 Fixed spelling ''This page is about the theories of malignant narcissism. See also [[narcissistic personality disorder]] for more common beliefs about this [[pathology]]. Also, for the instrumental song "Malignant Narcissism"- see [[Rush (band)|Rush]] or [[Malignant Narcissism (song)|click here]]''.<br /> '''Malignant narcissism''' is a [[syndrome]] consisting of a cross breed of the [[narcissistic personality disorder]], the [[antisocial personality disorder]], as well as [[paranoia|paranoid]] traits. The malignant narcissist differs from narcissistic personality disorder in that the malignant narcissist derives higher levels of psychological [[gratification]] from accomplishments over time (thus worsening the disorder). Because the malignant narcissist becomes more involved in this psychological gratification, they are apt to develop the antisocial, the [[paranoid personality disorder|paranoid]], and the [[schizoid]] personality disorders. The term [[malignant]] is added to the term narcissist to indicate that individuals with this disorder tend to worsen in their impulse controls and desires over time. Malignant narcissism can be partially treated, with medications and therapy helping to reduce [[aggravating]] symptoms. Although narcissistic personality disorder is found in the current version of the [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] (DSM-IV-TR), malignant narcissism is not. Malignant narcissism should be considered a theoretical or 'experimental' diagnostic category. Malignant narcissism can be [[comorbid]] with other psychological disorders not mentioned above. Malignant narcissism is not an official diagnosis, but rather a syndrome. Individuals with malignant narcissism would be diagnosed under narcissistic personality disorder. ==Malignant Narcissism on the Spectrum of Pathological Narcissism and Psychopathy== [[Otto Kernberg]] claimed that malignant narcissism should be considered part of a spectrum of '''pathological narcissism''', which he saw as ranging from the [[Hervey M. Cleckley|Cleckley]]'s antisocial character (today's [[psychopath]]) at the high end of severity, to malignant narcissism, to NPD at the low end.<ref>Kernberg, O. F. (1994), The Psychotherapeutic Management of Psychopathic, Narcissistic, and Paranoid Transferences.</ref> The psychopath represents the extreme form of pathological narcissism, although it is frequently used interchangeably with the antisocial personality disorder. Individuals high in psychopathy display higher levels of antisocial behavior (which is why psychopathy is highly correlated with antisocial personality disorder). Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder, malignant narcissism and psychopathy all display similar traits which are outlined in the [[Hare Psychopathy Checklist]]:<br /> '''Factor1: "Aggressive narcissism"''' *Glibness/superficial charm *Grandiose sense of self-worth *Pathological lying *Cunning/manipulative *Lack of remorse or guilt *Shallow affect *Callous/lack of empathy *Failure to accept responsibility for own actions *Promiscuous sexual behavior '''Factor2: "Socially deviant lifestyle"''' *Need for stimulation/proneness to boredom *Parasitic lifestyle *Poor behavioral control *Lack of realistic, long-term goals *Impulsivity *Irresponsibility *Juvenile delinquency *Early behavior problems *Many short-term marital relationships *Revocation of conditional release '''Traits not correlated with either factor''' *Many short-term marital relationships *Criminal versatility Please note that these traits are common amongst individuals with psychological disorders. The psychopath/malignant narcissist must display a strong tendency towards these characteristics. ===Theories on Malignant Narcissism and its Relation to Psychopathy=== Kernberg described malignant narcissism as a [[syndrome]] characterized by a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), [[antisocial]] features, paranoid traits, and [[ego-syntonic]] [[aggression]]. Other symptoms may include an absence of [[conscience]], a psychological need for power, and a sense of importance (grandiosity). Pollock wrote: "The malignant narcissist is presented as pathologically grandiose, lacking in conscience and behavioral regulation with characteristic demonstrations of joyful cruelty and [[Sadism and Masochism|sadism]]."<ref>Pollock, G. H. (1978), Process and affect, International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 59, 255–276.</ref> Kernberg wrote that malignant narcissism can be differentiated from psychopathy because of the malignant narcissists' capacity to [[internalize]] "both aggressive and idealized [[superego]] precursors, leading to the idealization of the aggressive, sadistic features of the pathological grandiose self of these patients." According to Kernberg, the psychopaths' paranoid stance against external influences makes them unwilling to internalize even the values of the "aggressor," while malignant narcissists "have the capacity to admire powerful people, and can depend on sadistic and powerful but reliable parental images." Malignant narcissists, in contrast to psychopaths, are also said to be capable of developing "some identification with other powerful idealized figures as part of a cohesive '[[gang]]' ''...'' which permits at least some loyalty and good object relations to be internalized." The malignant narcissist's main differences in impulse control from the psycopath is in the area of psychological gratification. While the psychopath displays more antisocial features, the malignant narcissist desires "unlimited power," a trait that is deemed positive in many [[capitalism|capitalistic]] societies. It is possible for the malignant narcissist to move above and beyond their contemporaries, and make a postive contribution to society (although rarely is this the case). The malignant narcissist will attempt to make full use of their [[skill|''capabilities'']]. Neither the malignant narcissist nor the psychopath can [[deferred gratification|delay gratification]], but malignant narcissism lends itself to gratification in intellectual and other positive pursuits. ==Narcissistic Supply== The malignant narcissist receives psychological gratification from feelings of power that come from the outside world. These positive social cues can be in the form of attention, power, and noteriety. Over time, the malignant narcissist becomes accustomed (even addicted) to this form of psychological gratification (also known as narcissistic supply). Similar to other addictions, the narcissist needs to feed off other people's emotions for narcissistic supply to help stimulate their psychological needs. Without narcissistic supply, the narcissist will undergo withdrawal symptoms ''similar'' to a drug addict.<ref>Vaknin, S. (1999), Malignant Self-Love, Narcissism Revisited.</ref> The malignant narcissist is inherently weak because he/she derives their ego functioning ability by constantly feeding off the emotions of other people (to build up their sense of self-worth to higher levels). This is why malignant narcissism is ''likened'' to a drug addiction. The drug addict (like the malignant narcissist) needs higher dosages of a drug to get the same after-effect. The narcissist (on the other-hand) needs to build up their sense of self-worth at increasingly higher levels to maintain the same level of ego-functioning. The malignant narcissist will go to extreme levels to build up their esteem, often resorting to antisocial behaviors and isolation of others (which is why antisocial, schizoid and paranoid personality disorders accompany this disease). If the malignant narcissist's grandiose fantasies fail them and they cannot feed their ego enough to function properly, they will undergo periods of dysphoria, [[emotional lability]] and [[anhedonia]] as well as display other negative symptoms of psychological disorders.<ref>Vaknin, S. (1999), Malignant Self-Love, Narcissism Revisited.</ref> ==Alter Ego of the Malignant Narcissist== Individuals with malignant narcissism will display a [[alter ego|two faced]] personality. The narcissist uses an alter ego ([[projection (psychology)|projection]]) to help them create a false self to society, one that will help them increase their sense of superiority. This creation of an alter ego is linked to the narcissist's fear of being inadequate or [[inferiority complex|inferior to others]]. This "alter ego mask" worn by the narcissist is ingrained into their personality, because they constantly want to project a sense of superiority to others at all times. Over time, the narcissist gains a sense of self worth and personal insight from the feedback of other people.<ref>Vaknin, S. (1999), Malignant Self-Love, Narcissism Revisited.</ref> It is common for the malignant narcissist to suffer from extremely low levels of self-esteem.{{citation needed|date=June 2008}} This conjured up alter ego (or false self) of the malignant narcissist is created because their 'real persona' rarely ever meets the expectations set by the narcissist. Instead, the narcissist tends to [[mimic]] emotional displays of other people, and creates a grandiose self to harbor their internalized fantasies of greatness. This alter ego is used in two primary ways by the narcissist: * To form "what seems to the outside world", a normal, functioning and empathetic human being. * To create an illusion of greatness, because the narcissist entertains fantasies of an idealized self. The narcissist constantly builds upon this 'alter ego self,' creating a fictitious character that they ''use'' to show off to the world. By projecting a grander self, the narcissist is able to garner the esteem needs that are required to feed their ego properly. The narcissist is also capable of psychologically penetrating other people, learning their emotional and behavioral tendencies. The alter ego of the narcissist creates a masked identity, one that is both acceptable and respected to the outside world. In hindsight, the malignant narcissist uses this false self (alter ego) to help them feed off the emotions of other people.<ref>Vaknin, S. (1999), Malignant Self-Love, Narcissism Revisited.</ref> Although under poor conditions, the narcissist will take off this mask, frequently displaying a weaker or hideous personality (the true self).<ref>Vaknin, S. (1999), Malignant Self-Love, Narcissism Revisited.</ref> '' See also [[The Mask of Sanity]]''. ==Narcissistic Rage== Common to malignant narcissism is [[narcissistic rage]]. Narcissistic rage is a reaction to narcissistic injury (when the narcissist feels degraded by another person). When the narcissist's grandiose sense of self-worth is perceivably being attacked by another person, the narcissist's natural reaction is to rage and pull-down the self-worth of others (to make the narcissist feel superior to others). It is an attempt by the narcissist to soothe their internal pain and hostility, while at the same time rebuilding their self worth. Narcissistic rage should not be confused with [[anger]] (although the two are similar), and is not ''necessarily'' caused by a situation that would typically provoke anger in an individual.<ref>http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com/faq73.html</ref> Narcissistic rage can be explosive or passive aggressive.<ref>http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com/faq73.html</ref> Narcissistic rage also occurs when the narcissist perceives that he/she is being prevented from accomplishing their grandiose fantasies.{{citation needed|date=July 2008}} Because the narcissist derives pleasure from the fullfillment of their gradiose dreams (akin to an addiction), anyone standing between the narcissist and their fullfillment of such accomplishments may be subject to narcissistic rage. Narcissistic rage will frequently include yelling and berating of the person that has slighted the narcissist, but if strong enough could provoke more hostile feelings.{{citation needed|date=July 2008}} Narcissistic rage is frequently short lasting, and passes when the narcissist [[rationality|rationalizes]] the shame that they felt.{{citation needed|date=July 2008}} ==Treatment and Diagnostic Criteria== Malignant narcissism is an incurable disease, although medical treatment and talk therapy are beneficial. Antipsychotic drugs (such as [[abilify]]) have the tendency to reduce paranoid features of the malignant narcissist. Individuals with this disorder that show signs of drug like withdrawals may benefit from [[SSRI]] anti-depressants or possibly even stimulant medication. No exact diagnostic criteria has been set for the disorder of malignant narcissism, and it is an understudied problem compared to similar psychological disorders (narcissistic personality disorder, psychopathy, schizoid personality disorder). <br /> A recommend diagnostic checklist similar to that found in the DSM-IV would consist of:<ref>Vaknin, S. (1999), Malignant Self-Love, Narcissism Revisited.</ref> <br /> 1. Feels overly grandoise, an exaggerate sense of self importance.<br /> 2. Fantasizes about unlimited success, bodily beauty, unequalled brilliance, or ideal and everlasting love.<br /> 3. Feels extremely unique, and believes that he/she can only be understood/should associate with others of equal brilliance or importance.<br /> 4. Requires excessive admiration or noteriety.<br /> 5. Feels entitled, demands automatic compliance with his/her wishes, feels slighted when not met with these expectations.<br /> 6. Is interpersonally exploitative, uses others for their own benefit.<br /> 7. Is unable or unwilling to empathize with others, feels like they are the center of the world.<br /> 8. Believes that others are envious of them, or is constantly envious of others. Always wants to outdo others, or prove themselves to others.<br /> 9. Displays arrogant or haughty behavior. Similar to criteria 3 and 5.<br /> <br /> Also displays symptoms of the antisocial personality, the schizoid personality and the paranoid personality disorder. ==Symptoms== Common characteristics of those with malignant narcissism include:<br /> * Grandiose sense of self-worth * Impulsiveness, doesn't finish projects, or attempts to finish a project too quickly to move onto something else * Reckless tendencies * [[mythomania|Pathological lying]] or exaggeration of the truth * Shallow affect * Creates illusions of superiority * Strives for constant recognition or prestige * Exaggerates and boasts about accomplishments * Feels ashamed or attacked by negative judgments from others * Preoccupation with fantasies of a perfect partner or future * Lack of empathy or selective empathy * Pulls attention from everyone else onto themselves to feel unique * Tendency to idealize their own superiority, devalue other people's worth or accomplishments * Sensitivity to how others react to him/her * Inability to tolerate boredom * [[manipulate|Manipulativeness]] * Indifference to or rationalizes having hurt or mistreated others (underdeveloped conscience) * Drug and alcohol abuse * Narcissistic rage ==Causes== Malignant narcissism is related to narcissistic [[regression (psychology)|regression]] in infancy, in which the infant sees her/him-self as the "center of the world." Whereas most infants grow out of this stage, the malignant narcissist is thought to be trapped in this period throughout their lifetime. If this disorder is left untreated in childhood, symptoms may worsen over time. Other personality disorders are likely to branch out from malignant narcissism. Factors that may cause malignant narcissism include: * Narcissistic regression in childhood * Early childhood separation, neglect, and [[attachment disorder]]s * Severe abuse or trauma in infancy * Narcissistic personality disorder combined with other psychological disorders * Narcissistic personality disorder combined with aggravating factors, such as childhood abuse * Biological predisposition to malignant narcissism These factors are ''based on the theory'' that malignant narcissism is 'similar' to narcissistic personality disorder, but include progressively worsening symptoms of NPD over time. ==Malignant Narcissism Explained== '''Pathological''' narcissism is related to improper ([[external]]) [[ego]] functioning, where the narcissist derives their ability to function properly from external sources. Malignant narcissism is also related to an underdeveloped "or a lack of a" superego (conscience). Using Freud's analogy of the man (ego) on a horse ([[Id, ego, and super-ego|Id]]) and a whip (superego) punishing the horse when it gets out of line in context of the "'''malignant narcissist'''" is as follows:<br /> *The man needs to eat and sleep to ride and care for his horse, but if he is not constantly fed, he does not have the power to fulfill these activities. (The malignant narcissist needs to receive positive feedback from the outside world to allow his ego to function properly and ensure the needs of the id are satisfied).<br /> *As the man is constantly pushed to ride and take care of the horse, he increasingly demands more and better food to keep up his strength to accomplish these tasks. (The malignant narcissist needs to gain outside feedback at increasingly higher doses to feed his/her ego so it has the power to satisfy the id).<br /> *Without a whip controlling the horse, the horse will frequently ride off course. (Lacking in a fully developed superego (conscience), the malignant narcissist is not structured by regular moral standards, and will thus feed off other people's emotions liberally).<br /> '''A simple illustration of the pathological narcissist's needs structure can be depicted using [[Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs]]:''' <br /> Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs displays the normal distribution of motivational needs for a healthy functioning person- Physiological<Safety<Love/Belonging<Esteem<Self-Actualization:<br /> [[Image:Maslow's hierarchy of needs.svg|thumb|left|200px|]] <br /> The pathological narcissist varies in their motivational needs, frequently placing esteem needs (and self-actualization needs) above love and belonging needs as well as being on par with safety needs. These esteem needs are put in a higher priority to the narcissist because their ego functioning abilities depend on the outside world, whereas normal functioning individuals derive ego functioning internally. Without fulfilling the esteem needs of the narcissist, the ego cannot properly regulate between the id and the superego. The narcissist's structure of motivational needs would look more like the following: Physiological<Safety=Esteem<Love/Belonging=Self-Actualization.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> ==Victimology== An unrelated, but closely held theory to malignant narcissism is [[victimology]]. Victimology is the study of the relationship between victims and their offenders. Victimology is closely related to malignant narcissism because the narcissist frequently uses/abuses others for personal gain, leaving others to feel victimized at the end of a relationship with the narcissist. These victims frequently go on to develop malignant traits similar to the narcissist, where they gain gratification from using/abusing others similar to the way they were used/abused by the narcissist (frequently their behaviors are directed at the mailignant narcissist). Hence, pathological narcissism (or the gratification gained from using others) can be ''partially'' contagious.<ref>Vaknin, S. (1999), Malignant Self-Love, Narcissism Revisited.</ref> ==See also== * [[Antisocial Personality Disorder]] * [[Narcissism (psychology)]] * [[Narcissistic Personality Disorder]] * [[Psychopathy|Psychopath]] * [[Schizoid personality disorder|Schizoid Personality Disroder]] * [[Reactive attachment disorder]] ==External links== * Malignant Narcissism vs. Psychopathy http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_a_narcissist_and_a_sociopath * Narcissism and co-morbidity with other disorders http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com/faq82.html * Is he/she a narcissist? http://www.ultimate-self.com/villains/ * Beware of the Emotional Vampire http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/05/31/how-to-beware-of-emotional-vampires-intent-on-draining-you-of-all-your-precious-emotional-strength.htm ==References== {{reflist}} [[Category:Abnormal psychology]]