From Lovebombing to Conflict (TalkTV Interviews with Trisha Goddard)
Professor Sam Vaknin, a leading authority on narcissism, discusses the concept of love bombing and its role in coercive control. He explains that love bombing involves excessive affection and attention with the intent to manipulate someone into a desired behavior. He also highlights the importance of recognizing love bombing as a warning sign and its potential presence in various relationships, including workplace dynamics. Additionally, he emphasizes the need to expand the definition of love bombing and its association with coercive control. Furthermore, he delves into the psychological aspects of war, describing it as a narcissistic activity that involves dehumanizing and demonizing the enemy. Throughout the conversation, Vaknin provides valuable insights into these complex and often misunderstood phenomena.
Signs of SWITCHING in Narcissists and Borderlines (Read PINNED comment)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the phenomenon of switching in dissociative identity disorder, borderline personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. He explains that switching is a common regulatory mechanism in these disorders and is triggered by stress, anxiety, and environmental cues. Vaknin describes the signs of switching, including emotional dysregulation, changes in body posture, and dramatic shifts in identity and behavior. He also emphasizes the impact of switching on relationships and the need for partners to adapt to the changing identities of individuals with these disorders.
Narcissism and Abuse Clarified with therapist Jose Espinosa
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses narcissistic abuse, the etiology of narcissism, and the impact of social media on narcissism. He explains that narcissistic abuse is an attempt by the narcissist to gain control over a specific target and convert them into a source of narcissistic supply within a shared fantasy. He also addresses the question of whether narcissists can suffer from narcissistic abuse and explains that narcissists start off as victims before choosing to become victimizers. Additionally, he discusses the misconceptions of narcissism and the influence of social media on narcissistic behaviors. Finally, he explains the differences between narcissistic personality disorder and narcissistic personality style and discusses the potential for change in narcissistic behaviors as individuals age.
Darkest Side of Narcissistic Abuse: Is It Intentional? (with Claire Auden)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the nature of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), its prevalence in the population, and the distinction between NPD and narcissistic traits. He explains that narcissism is underdiagnosed, especially among certain demographics like women, who now represent half of those diagnosed with NPD. Vaknin also touches on the increase in narcissistic and psychopathic behaviors in society, the role of therapy in treating narcissists, and the challenges in changing the core behaviors of individuals with NPD. He emphasizes that narcissists have a childlike mentality and that their relationships follow a cycle of idealization and devaluation, ultimately leading to discard. Vaknin suggests that narcissistic abuse is unique in its totalizing effect on victims and is driven by the narcissist’s need to reenact early childhood conflicts. He concludes that while behavioral modifications are possible in therapy, core changes in narcissists are not.
Creative Individual As Dark Personality
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the connection between creativity and mental illness, suggesting that mental illness may be a harbinger of creativity rather than intelligence. He explores the strategies that creative geniuses use to fit in with society, delves into the affinity between mental illness and creativity, and examines the shared genetic vulnerability framework of creativity and psychopathology. Vaknin also discusses the impact of the environment on creativity and mental illness, as well as the potential positive adaptation of mental illness for the species. He concludes by proposing that mental illness should not be stigmatized, as it has contributed to the advancements in science, art, and utility.
Mortified Narcissist, Borderline Switch Places: New Ideas for Therapy? (and Supply)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of narcissistic modification and its effects on the narcissist’s psyche. When a narcissist experiences modification, their defense mechanisms shut down, leading to emotional dysregulation and a sense of shame. This process can lead to a temporary transition to a borderline personality organization. The restoration of the narcissistic state hinges on narcissistic supply, which is preceded by a phase of self-supply. The lecture also explores the mirror image of this process in borderline personality disorder and suggests therapeutic implications for both conditions.
Women Who Hate Women, Men Who Love Them
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the rise of misogyny among women and the impact of the #MeToo movement. He explains that women are becoming more masculine, leading to a scarcity of eligible male partners and increased competition among women. Vaknin also explores the different types of masculinity in men and their reactions to changing gender roles. He emphasizes the need for new models and institutions to adapt to the evolving dynamics between men and women, warning that the lack of positive identity and vision for the future could lead to the downfall of the human species.
Narcissist’s Retroactive Jealousy Of Your Past Relationships
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of romantic jealousy, particularly focusing on retroactive jealousy in narcissism. Retroactive jealousy is a cognitive process that involves fear of loss and is irrational. In narcissism, retroactive jealousy is linked to the inability to idealize and infantilize the partner, leading to anxiety and control issues. The narcissist’s fear of losing the idealized version of the partner and the inability to control the partner’s past contribute to retroactive jealousy. This jealousy is characterized by obsessive information gathering, devaluing the partner’s past, and a sense of insecurity and inferiority. Retroactive jealousy in narcissism is a built-in feature and is a sign of the progression towards devaluation and separation in the shared fantasy.
Dostoyevsky’s Beef With Psychology Path Towards Its Renaissance ( Congress Presentation)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s quarrel with psychology and how it contrasts with modern psychology. Dostoyevsky’s work delves into the human soul and the individual’s reaction to society, contrasting with the statistical and pseudo-scientific approach of modern psychology. Dostoyevsky’s characters struggle with morality, suffering, and the conflict between the pursuit of truth and the rejection of life. His use of symbolism and exploration of the self reflect his own inner conflicts and his commitment to truth. His characters’ inner fixity and rejection of life lead to a spiritual death, and his work serves as a critique of narcissism and the pursuit of perfection.
A-ha Moment, Gut Instinct, Insight, Knowledge, Intuition: Epistemology in Psychology
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses insight, intuition, gut instincts, aha moments, epiphanies, and their emotional and cognitive aspects. He explains that aha moments are emotional reactions to sudden insight and are usually preceded by a period of pondering and analyzing. Aha moments are crucial in psychotherapy as they lead to self-awareness and the ability to connect seemingly unrelated events. He also delves into the differences between motivation and knowledge, and the role of intuition and insight in psychotherapy. Additionally, he explores the need for emotions in inducing transformation and change, and the compensatory mechanisms used by individuals who lack insight. Furthermore, he touches on the epistemic value of theories and the role of epistemology in psychology.