Are All Narcissists Also Sadists? (Compilation)
Sam Vaknin discusses the differences between cruelty and sadism, emphasizing that while both involve causing pain, their motivations and psychological underpinnings differ. Sadism is about deriving pleasure from inflicting pain and is often premeditated and creative. It is a form of hedonism and is outward-oriented, recognizing the victim as a separate entity to be annihilated. In contrast, cruelty is reactive and self-regulatory, linked to narcissism and often a response to mortification. It is about restoring a grandiose self-image and involves unnecessary excess. Cruelty sustains a narrative of moral superiority and retributive justice, and it requires the victim’s recognition of being hurt. Unlike sadism, cruelty can provoke counter-cruelty and is situational, potentially stopping when the situation is resolved. Sadism, on the other hand, is a permanent trait.
Narcissist’s Never Give, Always Take Delusion: Effort Reward Imbalance, Overcommitment
The text discusses the concept of effort-reward imbalance in the context of narcissistic relationships. It explains how narcissists feel entitled to recognition and rewards without putting in the necessary effort. The text also delves into the impact of this imbalance on the mental and physical health of the partner, as well as the narcissist’s tendency to externalize their reactions to the imbalance. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the imbalance in such relationships.
Cruelty Is Not Sadism Narcissism, Not Pleasure
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the topics of cruelty and sadism, differentiating between the two. He explains that cruelty is reactive and a form of narcissistic defense, while sadism is focused on pleasure and involves premeditation and creativity. Cruelty is situational and can be stopped, while sadism is a character trait that persists. Vaknin also delves into the psychological motivations and justifications behind both cruelty and sadism, emphasizing the internal and external aspects of each.
Opposites No Longer Attract How Narcissism Corrupts Mate Selection
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses mate selection and the impact of narcissism on modern relationships. He argues that people now seek partners who mirror their own traits and beliefs, rather than complementing them. This shift is attributed to the rise of narcissism, which has led to a decline in diversity and a focus on seeking validation and narcissistic supply from partners. Studies show that similarities, especially in political and religious beliefs, play a significant role in mate selection, and opposites no longer attract in long-term relationships. The professor also suggests that narcissism has degraded the mate selection process and poses an evolutionary threat to the human species.
Adopted, Foster Care Children Avoiding Mental Health Issues
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the impact of adoption and foster care on children’s mental health and behavior. He emphasizes the importance of early maternal care and the trauma experienced by children in these systems. He highlights the enduring psychological effects and the need for full disclosure of the child’s history to inform therapy and public policy.
Borderline=Failed Narcissist: Intermittent Mother, not “Dead” (EXCERPT)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the complex dynamics of relationships involving covert borderline and borderline personality disorder individuals. He delves into the origins of these disorders, their impact on relationships, and the interplay between them. Vaknin also explores the psychological defenses and behaviors exhibited by individuals with these disorders, shedding light on their intricate interactions.
Ideal Love Fantasy Borderline And Covert Borderline ( Odd Couples Part 3)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the complex dynamics of relationships between covert borderlines and individuals with borderline personality disorder. He delves into the diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder and the impact of covert borderlines on their partners. The covert borderline’s grandiosity, need for ideal love, and communication style are explored, as well as the challenges in maintaining stable relationships. The professor also addresses the impact of the covert borderline’s behavior on their partners and the potential outcomes of these relationships.
CPTSD or Personality Disorder? (Compilation)
Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of late-onset trauma and its potential to cause enduring personality changes that could be classified as personality disorders. He explains that while early childhood trauma is often linked to the development of personality disorders, catastrophic events experienced in adulthood can also lead to significant and lasting changes in personality. Vaknin argues that the diagnosis of Enduring Personality Changes After Catastrophic Experience (EPCACE), which was included in the ICD-10 but removed in the ICD-11, should be restored as it captures the unique and severe impact of adult trauma on personality. He emphasizes that EPCACE is distinct from PTSD and CPTSD, as it involves stable changes in personality resulting from extreme events such as torture, life threats, or prolonged captivity. Vaknin also critiques the current diagnostic approach that lumps various trauma-related disorders into a single category, suggesting that this leads to a lack of specificity and fails to account for the diverse ways individuals react to trauma.
Psychology Of ( Israeli Palestinian) Conflict
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, delving into the psychological dynamics of the parties involved. He highlights the trauma, grandiosity, impaired reality testing, and the need for enemies to define one’s identity. Vaknin emphasizes the importance of empathy and the recognition of shared humanity as a means to resolve the conflict.
How Covert Narcissist Deceives Covert Borderline And He Loves It ( 2nd In Odd Couples Series)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the dynamics of a relationship between a covert borderline and a covert narcissist. He explains the characteristics and behaviors of each type and how they interact in a relationship. The covert borderline is a hybrid of borderline and narcissistic traits, while the covert narcissist has a false sense of grandiosity and struggles with shame and inadequacy. The relationship between the two involves manipulation, envy, and a struggle for control, leading to a tumultuous and often destructive dynamic. The covert borderline seeks ideal love and is willing to deceive himself, while the covert narcissist provides a fantasy of perfection that the covert borderline becomes addicted to.