...Do you know some with a personality disorder? What is a personality disorder? These maybe some questions someone may ask. Personality Disorders are mental illnesses that share numerous distinctive qualities. They contain symptoms that are long lasting and play a major role in most, if not all, aspects of a person's life. While many disorders fluctuate in terms of symptoms presence and intensity, personality disorders typically remain quite regular. The DSM IV states, “Many highly successful individuals display personality traits that might be considered narcissistic. Only when these traits are inflexible, maladaptive, and persisting and cause significant functional impairment or subjective distress do they constitute Narcissistic Personality Disorder.” (BENJAMIN J. SADOCK, M.D, 2000). The dominance of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is less than 1% of the general population. It is noticed in 2% to 16% of psychiatric outpatients. This disorder is more common in males (50% to 75%) than females (Long,1995-2009, year). These people lead lives that few can understand, or want to understand. The personality disorders are not only relentless and heartless, but also very hard to cure. Most people with personality disorders, unlike other psychological disorders, can function normally in every aspect of society outside their disorder. Many leaders of negative groups appear to be examples of this particular personality disorder. Overall the characteristics of these leaders...
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...element that correlates with the Narcissus story pertains to the escapes and pursuits that are present in the novel. “Since Mary Shelley’s novel employs the element of flight (Walton to the pole, Victor from the Creature, the Creature in pursuit of Victor), Frankenstein embodies an additional element of the Narcissus complex” (Kestner 69-70). The grandiosity of his creation and pursuits end in a chase to eliminate any evidence of his mistakes. Jeffrey Berman summarizes all of these examples in comparison of narcissistic personality disorder: Victor exhibits, in fact, all the characteristics of the narcissistic personality disorder as defined in DSM-III: a grandi- sense of self-importance; preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success; exhibitionism; cool indifference or feelings of...
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...Introduction This research paper is on Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Three journal articles were utilized in the research process. The first article is titled Subtypes, Dimensions, Levels, and Mental States in Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It was written by Kenneth N. Levy of Pennsylvania State University and published in 2012. The main points discussed in this article are surrounding the various concepts of NPD existing in dimensions and with overt and covert sublevels. The author used research to point out how the DSM-IV fails to capture that grandiose presentations and covert vulnerable presentations actually represent the two sides of a single spectrum. I chose this article as it gave a deeper perspective than the more ridged clinical picture offered in the DSM-IV. The second article is titled Categorical and Dimensional Models of Pathological Narcissism: The Case of Mr. Jameson. It was written by Christopher R. D. Roberts and Steven K. Huprich of Eastern Michigan University and published in 2012. The main points discussed in this article are how the current categorical construct of NPD ignores the complexities of the underlying vulnerabilities of the disorder. It also discusses how assessing grandiosity and vulnerability as dimensional, interactive components provides a greater working utility. The authors accomplish this through offering examples of various supporting research in addition to a detailed case study of a patient who presented as fragile...
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...solely based on whether the outcome benefits you, and you alone. A world where charity and kindness are forethought, only becoming important if an act of kindness somehow benefits you as well. This is the way of a person who has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Because of the twisted anatomy that this Personality Disorder possesses, those suffering it are sent down a destructive path. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by a grandiose self image, and a desire to further their own wants and desires, and ignore and disregard the wants and needs of others. They are often prideful, and refuse to accept positions other than their own. They...
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...Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a disorder affecting anywhere between 0-1% of the general population (Kring, 2010). Personality Disorders are described as “a heterogeneous group of disorders defined by problems with forming a stably positive sense of self and with sustaining close and constructive relationships.” (Kring, 2010). Personality disorders describe long-term, organised ways of characterological functioning (Ronningstam, 2005). We all display symptoms of personality disorders. However, those who display enough symptoms to be diagnosed with personality disorders can experience trouble with personal identity, relationships and impulse control. There are three clusters of personality disorders: the odd cluster (A), the erratic...
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...Personality disorders such as narcissism may not seem very harmful, but having high levels of narcissism may cause distress and pose various risks to the emotional and psychological health of individuals (Clifton, Turkheimer & Oltmanns, 2009; Panek, Nardis & Konrath, 2013). Narcissists form relationships to receive validation rather than forming lasting and intimate relationships (DeWall et al., 2011), this may negatively impact their ability to sustain healthy and mutually fulfilling relationships (Panek, Nardis & Konrath, 2013). Also, some individuals with high levels of aggression and narcissism may react with hostility when condemned or disagreed with, which could pose a threat to society (Panek, Nardis & Konrath, 2013). Thus, it is important to examine whether SNSs play a role in either the promotion of narcissistic behaviours or the maintenance of narcissistic behaviours. Narcissism and SNSs...
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...the result of being subject to narcissistic abuse over a long period of time, though the narcissist will blame the ex-partner and say that it was the alcohol and drugs that made them like it even though it was the narcissist who drove them to drink and/or drugs. This can even go as far as psychological murder. Narcissists use very cleverly plotted emotional, mental and verbal abuse and guilt and sympathy to manipulate people around them, in covertly narcissistic relationships this is usually solely their partner. They use hypnotic forms of communication to very cleverly hide the abuse using embedded verbal commands and subliminal persuasion undermining the perception of the victim. Seeing as they have been practising this hypnotic art since they were a child they become experts in it and have what is commonly described as a super human capacity. So much so, that they can use one person to get them to go and manipulate another by proxy,. it is as though their subconscious mind is their conscious mind. Malignant narcissism can be described as a lack of empathy where the narcissist is unable to put themselves in anybody elses position and cannot relate to how others feel, though they will pretend they do. This is learnt naturally and recalled from script as and when needed. Narcissism develops naturally at the age of about six years old and develops from there and is a necessity for life but traumatic experiences can cause the development of personality to become stunted and as they...
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...Since Jenny’s mother was born with some birth defects, it is possible her mother developed narcissism because of looking at her inner feelings and not believing what everyone else said about her. It is true, however, that Narcissistic Personality Disorder also contributes to the biological side as well. While the environmental side focuses more on how someone is taken care of and raised from infancy to adulthood, biology examines what could happen inside the body of someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. According to Paris, there is still research being conducted as to what exactly causes someone to be narcissistic. However, Paris mentions that there are certain traits a parent might pass down to their child. Therefore, the child is already predisposed to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (like...
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...Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder Keyword: treatment for narcissistic personality disorder To like and love one’s self like the Greek mythology character named Narcissus may be normal sometimes, but if carried to the extreme, it can become a mental disorder. A narcissistic individual does not only have too much self-confidence, but he may also lack concern for others and may not care about how others feel. The question is – Is there a treatment for narcissistic personality disorder? Part 1: What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder? A narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by extreme self-centeredness, an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of compassion for others. Just like other types of personality disorders,...
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...Narcissistic Personality Disorder involves superiority behavior, a lack of empathy for other people. People who are narcissistic are frequently described as self-centered and demanding. Narcissism is a less extreme version of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Narcissism involves selfishness and power motives. Narcissists tend to have high self-esteem. However, narcissism is not the same thing as self-esteem; people who have high self-esteem are often humble, whereas narcissists rarely are. It was once thought that narcissists have high self-esteem on the surface, but deep down they are insecure. However, the latest evidence indicates that narcissists are actually secure. Not only that but, narcissists can be aggressive. Narcissists reacts to criticism with anger, shame or humiliation. They also take advantage of others to reach his or her own goals. Another symptom is that they exaggerates their own importance. In addition, they also exaggerate their achievements and talents as if it is something impossible. Moreover, entertains unrealistic fantasies about success, power, beauty, intelligence or romance. In addition, they have unreasonable expectation of favorable treatment. They also require constant attention and positive reinforcement from others. Narcissists are easily jealous. They disregard the feelings of others, lacks empathy. The also like to pursue mainly selfish goals. Also, narcissists are usually physically attractive and charming at first glance, so they may...
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...University of Southern California School of Social Work SOWK 645- [Semester, Year] Reflective Journal [Student Name] [Date] Professor: Ken Howard, LCSW Address: [123 Main Street Anytown, ST 0000] Introduction Throughout my two and a half semesters in grad school I have heard many times over the importance of being in tune with my own feelings, emotions, bodily responses, values, belief systems, boundaries, and cultural norms. Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney, and Strom-Gottfried (2013), state that it is important for social workers to be aware of their own value systems, so that they can be cognizant of how their beliefs may affect clients with differing values. In addition, it is equally important to be aware of issues arising from countertransference. Without being fully aware of ourselves, countertransference becomes hard to recognize. By understanding our own thoughts, feelings, and values, these issues can be recognized and resolved (Hepworth et al., 2013). As such, this reflective journal is an exercise in self-awareness, recognizing countertransference, and application of clinical practice. I will begin this journal with a summary of the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde in order to fully expound on the themes of mental illness existent in the novel. From there, I will present my assessment of the mental illness and describe the clinical approach that I would take to address these issues. A discussion on issues of countertransference that...
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...ASSIGNMENT/ASSESSMENT ITEM COVER SHEET Student Name: FIRST NAME Family / last NAME Student Number: Email: yiuapril430@yahoo.com Course Code Course Title (Example) (Example) Campus of Study: Hong Kong (eg Callaghan, Ourimbah, Port Macquarie) Assessment Item Title: Bob Knowlton case study Due Date/Time: Tutorial Group (If applicable): Word Count (If applicable): Lecturer/Tutor Name: James Hunt Extension Granted: Yes No Granted Until: Please attach a copy of your extension approval NB: STUDENTS MAY EXPECT THAT THIS ASSIGNMENT WILL BE RETURNED WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF THE DUE DATE OF SUBMISSION I declare that this assessment item is my own work unless otherwise acknowledged and is in accordance with the University’s academic integrity policy available from the Policy Library on the web at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policylibrary/000608.html I certify that this assessment item has not been submitted previously for academic credit in this or any other course...
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...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 way to distinguish a narcissist from a non-narcissist is to consider that narcissists are very self-oriented whereas non-narcissists are primarily others-oriented. This difference may be due to the fact that narcissists are focussed on self-love whereas non-narcissists more frequently focus on the needs of others. There are nine characteristics that define a narcissistic personality,...
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...Social networking sites reduces the net worth of children and teens The 21st century undoubtedly has become the era of technology; creating a global village of tremendous communication, research and inventions. Today, the global north is easily linked to the global south opening up a range of opportunities in the transport industry, economic interaction, media and publicity, cooperate governance and even socialization through social media. The concept of social media has revolutionized the way children and teenagers communicate and stay in touch with friends, relatives and close families, learning, information sharing, making virtual friends and creating a diverse world of people from different cultures around the globe and would never have met in a lifetime. The proliferation of social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter has enabled children and youth to express themselves and make new beneficial connections quickly. It seem appropriate therefore to mention in few lines about how I personally feel about social media and what it has done for me. I definitely love being in my own space most of the time, within my own space, and alone, in this sense social media has provided the opportunity for me to interact without being in physical proximity with the person/persons. I appreciate this type of interaction as it saves me the awkwardness and strain I feel when meeting new people face to face. Moreover I can now shop online without leaving the confines...
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...human being, and his quest put Victor in the position of a God-like figure. What Victor wanted was control. In doing so, Victor proved himself to be a true narcissist. “Victor exhibits, in fact, all the characteristics of the narcissistic personality disorder… [a] sense of self-importance; preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success...interpersonal disturbances, including exploitativeness, alternation between over idealization and devaluation, and lack of empathy” (Berman). While creating his idealized masterpiece, Victor never thought to analyze the consequences of his actions or even the feelings of the creature he hoped to breathe life into. The schism between Victor and the monster actually formed when his God-complex was fractured by his failings. Once the creature awoke, Victor realized that the monster he had created in adonis-like shape turned out hideous. “His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath... his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun-white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips” (Shelley 35). He wanted to be able to bring power into his life by creating another life, but he failed in his craft. The creature formed out of Victor’s narcissistic idealism did not turn out to be his image of perfection.The effect of the...
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