Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the origins of narcissism, the debate surrounding its nature, and its impact on children. He explores the role of parents in shaping a child’s self-concept and the development of narcissistic traits. Vaknin delves into the psychological
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses anxiety from various angles, including the philosophical angle. He explains that anxiety disorders are often misdiagnosed as narcissistic personality disorder because both types of patients are worried about social approval and seek feedback, admiration, and applause.
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the confusion of states of mind in narcissism, particularly possessiveness, romantic jealousy, and mortification. He explains the triggers and reactions of possessiveness and romantic jealousy, and the introspective nature of mortification. He also delves into the
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of nothingness and its relationship with consciousness, self, and freedom. He explores Jean-Paul Sartre’s ideas on nothingness and how it is a capacity of our consciousness that has evolutionary advantages. Vaknin also delves into
The text discusses Sartre’s views on desire, consciousness, and freedom. Sartre introduces the concept of desire as motivated by a lack or absence, and discusses the inherent contradiction in desire. He also delves into the nature of consciousness and the
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the historical evolution of the concept of narcissism, including the views of Freud, Jung, Kohut, Heinz Franz Cote, and Karen Horney. Narcissism is constructed around a schizoid core, which pushes the narcissist to introvert. Traumas in
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of ego functions and their role in personality and mental health. Ego functions include reality testing, impulse control, regulation of emotions, judgment, object relations, thinking, defenses, and synthesis. A healthy ego is essential for
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the narcissist’s convoluted relationships with internal objects. He explains the distinction between external and internal objects and delves into the narcissist’s interactions with internal objects. Vaknin explores the stages of separation-individuation and the impact of disrupted
Dramatic behavior is common in cluster B personality disorders, such as narcissistic, borderline, and antisocial personality disorders. Drama serves various psychological functions, including enhancing functionality, distancing oneself from trauma, regulating self-esteem, and manipulating others. It can also be a diversionary
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the relationship between schizotypy and personality disorders. He explains that schizotypy is a spectrum that includes both positive and negative traits, such as creativity, cognitive disorganization, and impaired reality testing. He suggests that there are two