...Running head: NARCISSISM AND RELATIONSHIPS ARE NARCISSISTS BAD FOR RELATIONSHIPS OR ARE RELATIONSHIPS BAD FOR NARCISSITS? : THE EFFECT OF NARCISSISM ON CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS by Sara K. Seward 200303585 A term paper presented to Dr. Christie Lomore in Psychology 341:20 The Self Department of Psychology St. Francis Xavier University March 26th, 2007 The term narcissism was first introduced to us by Freud, (1914/1957, as cited in Campbell, Brunell, & Finkel, 2006) in reference to the story of Narcissus. Narcissus was the concept of self-love in human form. He viewed himself as better and more attractive than all of those around him, which in turn prevented him from developing any close, loving relationships with others. Narcissus spent him life looking for the “perfect” partner. One day he fell in love with his own reflection and could not bear to be separated from his newfound love. He remained by the pool of water until he eventually died. The story of Narcissus shows us that having a narcissistic personality can have detrimental effects on not only our relationships but on our selves as well (Campbell, Foster, & Finkel, 2002). By proposing the following research question I hope to identify a possible correlation between narcissistic behaviour and relationship satisfaction. My question is “Do narcissists engage in behaviour that negatively affects their relationships which may lead to a decrease in relationship satisfaction?” A suitable...
Words: 4664 - Pages: 19
...made significant contributions to the field of psychology between the years 1850 and 1950 is not an easy task as there is more than one woman who made significant contributions to the field of Psychology. Out of those talented women Anna Freud, overshadows her colleagues. Anna can be considered to have a fascinating background, which influenced her later development of unique theoretical perspectives. Her father, Sigmund Freud famous for his multiple theories about the mind he is regarded as the founder of psychology probably influenced her following his footsteps and being interested in psychoanalysis, in particular, in child psychoanalysis. However, her recognition as the founder of child psychoanalysis was not just given to her for being her father's daughter. Anna Freud earned it by contributing to the field of Psychology with the many roles she played in her career as teacher, theorist, healer, leader, idealist and writer (Coles, 1992). Anna's contributions to psychology not only help to contribute to the development of psychology but helped improve many lives. Anna Freud was born in Vienna December 3, 1895 her parents Sigmund and Martha Freud. Her father considered her a blessing; conversely, she did not develop a close relationship with her mother it appears that she considered her nanny a genuine figure in her childhood. Anna considered she was boring and did not get along with her siblings; thus she was particularly close to her father. Sigmund Freud was very proud of...
Words: 1216 - Pages: 5
...Gestalt Psychology Reflection PSY 310 January 11, 2016 Sam Ivory Dr. Fine Gestalt psychology Reflection The school of thought is what Gestalt psychology theory is about. Gestalt believes that all things and scenes are observed in the simplest forms. Also known as the 'Law of Simplicity,' the meaning behind the theory is that the whole of an object or scene is more important than its individual parts. When you observe everything as a whole it allows us to us find order in disorder and unity among outwardly unrelated parts and pieces of information (Cherry, 2015). Gestalt theories have implications for education focusing more meaningful learning and true understanding of principles, over the traditional structured approaches based on memory and recall (King, Wertheimer, Keller & Crochetiere, 1994). Gestalt psychology gave a unique way on human perception. According to Gestalt psychologists, you don't just see the world; what you see, depending on what you are expecting to see. The reason behind Gestalt psychology is that it encourages people to 'think outside of the box' and to look for patterns. Another contribution to Gestalt psychology is the development of our senses is capable of visual recognition of things as a whole and not just simple line and curves (Schamber, 1986). However the breakdown of the mental process wasn’t done until it was in their smallest forms. The psychologist believed that behavior must be studied in all of its complexities instead...
Words: 788 - Pages: 4
...Communicating the Value of Psychology Position Paper Nagle Catholic College Danni Carroll “Psychology is the scientific study of how we think, feel and act. It aims to answer important questions such as what motivates people to behave the way they do and what factors influence the way they think, feel and behave as they grow up and develop” (Fletcher and Garton, 2007). Psychology is applied to society as a whole; it can help us understand how we as individuals can function as members of society and the values and attitudes to things such as Culture, Social values and practices and Social, Historical and Political Influences. Psychology studies have also taken us into the minds of others and how they react to certain situations; from this psychologists have created the areas of Social Psychology, Relational Influences and Communication that their studies fall under. The study of psychology also lets us find out more about ourselves as individuals such as our Biological Influences, Cognition, Developmental and Personality (Fletcher and Garton 2007). This position paper is aimed at a year 12 Psychology class studying 3AB Psychology: Self, Others and Society. The class consists 17 students with the majority of the students being female and aged 16-17. The purpose of this paper is to provide the students with a clearer understanding of the Psychology areas of Self, Others and Society. Case Study 1 – Personality Personality is defined as the characteristics of a person...
Words: 2383 - Pages: 10
...Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 23, No. 6, 2004, pp. 747-767 REASONS FOR HIV DISCLOSURE DERLEGA ET AL. REASONS FOR HIV DISCLOSURE/NONDISCLOSURE IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS: TESTING A MODEL OF HIV–DISCLOSURE DECISION MAKING VALERIAN J. DERLEGA AND BARBARA A. WINSTEAD Old Dominion University KATHRYN GREENE Rutgers University JULIANNE SEROVICH Ohio State University WILLIAM N. ELWOOD Center for Public Health and Evaluation Research This research examined the relative importance of reasons for HIV disclosure/nondisclosure with a friend, intimate partner, and parents. Participants were 145 men and women with HIV. Overall, catharsis, a will to duty/educate, and having a close/supportive relationship were endorsed as reasons that influence HIV disclosure. Privacy, self–blame, fear of rejection, and protecting the other were endorsed as reasons that influence nondisclosure. Both men and women endorsed testing the other’s reaction as a reason for disclosing more for an intimate partner, whereas they endorsed privacy more as a reason for not disclosing to a friend. Men (mostly self–identified as homosexuals or bisexuals), but not women (mostly self–identified as heterosexuals), endorsed similarity as a reason for disclosing more to a friend or intimate partner than to a parent. The results are consistent with a Model of HIV–Disclosure Decision Making that indicates how cultural attitudes This research is partly supported by a research grant (#R01DA13145–01A1) from the...
Words: 8661 - Pages: 35
...I fall in love with my girlfriend from the psychology concept Recently, I got a lovely girlfriend. We feel so happy and sweet in this relationship. Some people believe that having close relationship because of sentimental fate. But I think this is not only fate. Now I am going to explore the reasons using the idea of interpersonal attraction. I think many different types of theories of interpersonal attraction can explain about close relationship in my life. The interpersonal relationship is the need of some affiliation to keep relationship with friend or family. We seek people with some similar situation for the relationship. Interpersonal attraction is that we like those who give us maximum rewards at minimum cost .The first factor of reward theory affecting interpersonal attraction is proximity. By definition, it means the degree to which people are geographically close to one another, plays a central role in determining who we like. (Robert S. Feldman, 1992, p.199). Now I will apply the factors to check the relationship between my girlfriend and me. We met in a Japanese restaurant, Watami in this summer holiday. We worked in the same restaurant and we are also part time waiters. Now we study in the same school. I guess that there is an opportunity for us to develop a close relationship. It is because we could meet each other easily and quickly. Also, it is easy for us to find the subject to chat. It can make our relationship closer. According to the theory, the rewards...
Words: 702 - Pages: 3
...The many schools of thought in Psychology attempt to define Psychology and promote one specific method of studying the brain. The text shows that the individual schools of thought come together in examining the mechanics of the brain and how it makes us human. Structuralism is the first school of thought that promoted the structure of consciousness. By studying consciousness it was belief that one could understand the basis for psychology. This was a method that advocated introspection as a form of study, along with developing a sort of periodic table for human consciousness. Experimentation in this school of thought can be perceived of as unscientific in that it requires honest introspection into oneself. Reporting thoughts and feelings on a moment by moment basis proves very unreliable because of the fact humans are often time not truly honest. Functionalism is the second school of thought in which the functionality of psychological processes and how people interact with things around them. William James is the first person to write a textbook for psychology. Whereas structuralism studied the structure of psychology, functionalists in this school of thought were interested in discovering the reason the brain works the way it does using experimentation not specifically related to human beings. Functionalists experimented not only with animals but also with brains that functioned improperly. The Psychodynamic school of thought was promoted by Sigmund Freud who developed early...
Words: 973 - Pages: 4
...International Journal of Research Studies in Psychology December 2012 - Special Issue on Positive Psychology, Volume 1 Number 3, 59-67 The mediating effect of relatedness on Facebook use and self-esteem Abellera, Nadine Angeli C. Department of Psychology, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines (nacabellera@gmail.com) ISSN: 2243-7781 Online ISSN: 2243-779X Ouano, Jerome A. Department of Psychology, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines (ouano_j@yahoo.com) Conway, Gail D. Department of Psychology, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines (gee.delapaz@yahoo.com) Camilotes, Liza Mae C. Department of Psychology, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines (lizamaec@gmail.com) Doctor, Hannah Mae L. Department of Psychology, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines (misshannahdoctor@yahoo.com) Received: 10 November 2012 Available Online: 30 December 2012 Revised: 15 December 2012 DOI: 10.5861/ijrsp.2012.298 Accepted: 22 December 2012 Abstract Facebook, a popular social networking site, can serve as a venue for the enhancement of self-esteem. Why this happens remains unclear. Drawing from Positive Psychology and Self-Determination Theory, the present study investigated the effect of Facebook use on self-esteem as mediated by relatedness. Employing a cross-sectional non-experimental design, the mediation hypothesis was tested among 467 college...
Words: 3008 - Pages: 13
...understanding their own emotions and those of others and have difficulty building and maintaining relationships and leading successful lives. Infant Attachment as defined in our textbook, is the close emotional bond between an infant and its primary caregiver. According to John Bowlby (1969,1989 as cited in King), in his theory of attachment, the infant and the mother instinctively form an attachment, he believed that infants are biologically pre programmed to form these attachments, that an infant’s attachment behaviors are instinctive and will be activated by any conditions that seem to threaten the achievement of proximity, such a separation, insecurity and fear. The way Bowlby saw it; infants are born with an instinct to survive. They signal their needs to their caregiver by crying, clinging, searching. The responsiveness of the caregiver determines whether the infant feels loved, secure, and confidant. The way in which the caregiver reacts, also determines what type of attachment the infant will develop. Bowlby thought that our early relationships with our caregivers serve as our schemas for our sense of self and the social world. He believed that this schema guides a person’s interaction with others. According to conclusions reached in the 44 thieves study by Bowlby (1944, as cited by Cardwell, and Flanagan in Psychology AS) he showed that the attachment relationship we have with our primary caregiver during the first 5 years of our lives is crucial to socialization...
Words: 1382 - Pages: 6
...Attraction in Social Psychology Attraction in Social Psychology Introduction: Attraction in Social Psychology is one of the key areas where there is still research going on to understand what are the various elements in a human that makes him/her to behave in a specific manner & how these variations are processed by the brain. The importance of this research paper is mainly to explain the basic psychological functions that are mainly concerned with the element of ‘attraction’ in Psychology & to analyze the statistical data available. So what are the various elements that cause attraction? Do these interests or aspects vary with change in age? Are they different with respect to the geographical areas? What attracts people in selecting another as a mate and marriage partner? What attracts people in selecting another as a mate and marriage partner from a different culture? Many such questions will be answered in this research paper. Main Content: The different types of situations that can cause an attraction: 1. Proximity – People usually get to know people who are very close usually to their residence especially from an early age. Such proximities can create a spark of friendship among people. 2. Association – This kind of association is based on meeting people or new students during a common class that all of them enjoy. ...
Words: 2022 - Pages: 9
...Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Psychology itself is defined as the scientific investigation of the mental process and behavior (Kowalski & Westen, 2011). The discipline includes a closer examination of thoughts, how people feel about situations and the way they interact with their environment and react to situations and other people. Problems that may arise when dealing with psychology can be conflict, general unhappiness or depression. Mental disorders/illness are not part of normal human behavior and can lead to problems in relationships as well as harm to the person with the disorder or people close to them. There are a wide range of therapies for such disorders and each situation differs from case to case. A closer examination follows with a contrast of normal and abnormal psychology, mental disorders from the view of psychology and a deeper look into two therapies used for both normal and abnormal psychology. Normal and Abnormal Psychology According to "What Is The Difference Between Normal And Abnormal Psychology" (2015), "The difference between normal and abnormal psychology tends to be one of degree of disruption. Normal psychology is the study of human behavior, with a focus on “normal” or average, socially-acceptable traits and behaviors. Abnormal psychology, by contrast, is the study of unusual human behavior, and includes the study of mental disorders.” (para. 1). The standard of normal versus abnormal psychology can be very apparent, or it can be subtle...
Words: 1178 - Pages: 5
...television.” Yet, do I really love my television, like I love my sibling? One would hope that I do not. There are various and unalike types of love and furthermore many ways to love. Sternberg’s Theory of Love in the last two decades (Robert Sternberg a psychologist at Yale University) has prepared a plethora of work in an attempt for labeling love and determining what makes a love relationship successful. (Ainsworth, 1978) Sternberg suggests three components of love and various combinations of these modules and components forming the different types of love, in which are; intimacy, passion, and commitment. (Sternberg, 2006) Intimacy: Intimacy is the emotive portion in Sternberg's love triangle. The emotional intimacy dimensional element of love is best termed by feeling love for someone, as opposed to being "in love.” The emotional intimacy portion is primarily focused on fondness, friendship, trust and feelings of emotional propinquity that results from an ability to share one's personal and private, thoughts and feelings with a partner. Intimacy is the emotional sense of attachment, connectedness, close-ness. Passion: Passion, being the motivational piece of Sternberg's love theory, can most easily be characterized by intense feelings of arousal, arising from physical...
Words: 2703 - Pages: 11
...(physical, chemical, infectious, psychological, social)' (Brody and Sobel, 1980: 168-69). The relationship between health and psychology has become more focused in the 20th century. It has been considered as far back as ancient Greece, but has taken root heavily in the 20th century. Health and psychology has the meaning that our mind and bodies interact with each other. If we are overly stressed then we may likely see physical health effects such as higher blood pressure, increased heart rate, etc. When we keep a positive balance between our physical health and our mental health, then we are working on the close relationship of health and psychology. We can directly affect our health by our lifestyles. By this I mean if we choose to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, consume to much caffeine, or be overweight. Since these lifestyle choices affect us physically and mentally many workplaces offer wellness programs to help aide in the education of health and psychology. When an employer makes the choice to provide wellness programs for their employees both the employer and the employee benefits. The employer benefits if they provide medical insurance to the employee in the possibility of lowering their health insurance cost. The healthier lifestyle the employee lives the less cost in time loss from work, or possibilities for workplace injuries. A good example of a workplace health and psychology related program may be; smoking cessation seminars, stress coping and reduction seminars...
Words: 595 - Pages: 3
...Attachment Style and Relationships Part I Robert Sternberg created a theory called the triangular theory of love. This theory is based on three dimensions called passion, intimacy, and commitment. Passion is what motivates a person to pursue someone he or she is attracted too. This motivation is a component of love attraction, romance, and sexual desire. When I think about the word intimacy it makes me think of two people close to each other. I imagine two people loving and caring for each other. These two individuals also trust each other not because they have to but because they want to. Intimacy is not something that can be forced. Commitment in my mind is a decision. It is the choice one makes to stay in a relationship. An example of a commitment would be wedding vows. I believe all three dimensions are needed to fulfill a loving and lasting relationship. Passion is what drives two individuals together. This is what starts the “getting close” step of the relationship. As the two people get to know each other they begin to get close to each other. This closeness is known as intimacy. These two individuals have complete trust in each other and can openly tell each other what they are feeling. These steps then lead to commitment. The two individuals have grown close enough to each other that they are now ready to commit themselves to each other. Sternberg’s triangular theory of love forms other types of love relationships. There are seven different types...
Words: 1116 - Pages: 5
...Power of Love and Relationships Ashford University Psychology 301 Professor Michelle A. Abstract “We tend to like those who are similar to us in values and interests rather than those who are different. We prefer to not over benefit or under benefit in a relationship, but have a relationship characterized by equity. We also tend to like those who like us and only us” (Feenstra, 2013). In this paper I will describe the factors of attractions and what attracts us to one another. Also I will discuss why we are likely to befriend someone from another culture than someone from a similar background with a similar physical aesthetic. The human need to build bonds and relationships will also be discussed. If we have an innate need to belong, the attachment to our emotions, social bonds, and our fear of deprivation will be outlined. I will also explain the three types of love and describe the differences and similarities between them. Sternberg’s triangular theory of love will be discussed as well. Power of Love and Relationships In life we cross many people and our interaction and relationship differs every time. Feenstra states that first-year students were more likely to develop a friendship with someone they sat next to during an introductory session than those they were not sitting near (Feenstra, 2013). This is true as I have witnessed when I was a student on campus. I tended to gravitate towards those who were in my class. “The most important factor in our liking...
Words: 1243 - Pages: 5