Myth of Fearless Psychopath
Psychopaths are often misunderstood due to the fact that they have different brain and physiological responses to fear and risk. They experience anxiety and fear, but their reactions are subdued or absent altogether. Psychopaths misinterpret internal and external cues and often mislabel and misattribute their emotions. They are impulsive, reckless, and often paranoid, but they perceive their behavior as cautious and informed. Psychopaths are often charming and witty, but they are dead inside and out, treating their bodies and lives as if they were decomposing trash.
Adultery – the New Monogamy? (2nd World Congress on Psychiatry and Psychology, July 2021)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the future of monogamy and argues that it is ill-suited to the demands of modern Western civilization. He notes that casual sex is dominant among people aged 25 to 35, and infidelity is at an all-time high. Women have become richer and more empowered, leading to a shift towards a matriarchal society. Vaknin also discusses the changing nature of relationships and the challenges younger generations face in forming them.
Narcissist, Psychotic Reject Reality (Keynote Speech World Conference Addiction Psychiatry, 07/2021)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses psychological defense mechanisms, focusing on internal objects, introjects, and the role of psychological defense mechanisms as guardians of the mind’s narrative. He also explores the concepts of dissociation and cognitive distortions, and their relationship to self-states, narcissism, and psychosis. Vaknin emphasizes the impact of defense mechanisms on the individual’s ability to cope with reality and the resulting anxiety and depression.
Narcissist Needs to Break Your Spirit (Narcabuse TV on IGTV)
Sam Vaknin discusses his personal journey with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), his role in developing the language and understanding of narcissism, and the impact of his work on society. He explains that in 1995, he invented a new language to describe the internal dynamics of narcissism due to a lack of existing literature or terminology. Vaknin’s work has been pioneering in the field, and he has coined many terms that are widely used today. He also discusses the difference between narcissistic style, narcissistic personality disorder, and malignant narcissism, as well as the societal trends that have led to an increase in narcissistic behaviors, especially among the young. Vaknin emphasizes the importance of no contact as the only effective strategy for escaping the damaging effects of a relationship with a narcissist or psychopath. He also touches on various topics such as victimhood, boundaries, addiction, triangulation, gaslighting, and self-destruction.
Lamenting the New Normal (with Megan Fox, The Fringe)
Sam Vaknin, a professor of psychology and economics, discusses the misuse of psychological disorders in family courts and the rise of narcissism and psychopathy in society. He also addresses the lack of expertise in certain fields, the impact of victimhood on individuals, and the intersectionality of abuse. He emphasizes the need for personal responsibility and accountability.
Psychopath or Trauma Victim? Autistic or Schizoid? Borderline Anyone?
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the difficulty in distinguishing between psychopathy, autism, schizoid personality, and PTSD or complex PTSD during intake interviews. All four conditions present similarly, with reduced affect display, reticent self-disclosure, and idiosyncratic use of language. However, there are some differential diagnostic signs, such as attitude to sex and intimacy, deceitfulness, and devaluation of others. It is crucial for clinicians to apply these differential diagnostic criteria to avoid misdiagnosis and potential harm to patients.
Narcissists Love Your Victimhood (Game Changers Interview 3 of 3)
Dr. Sam Vaknin discusses the challenges of educating potential victims of narcissistic abuse, emphasizing that education alone is not enough to prevent victimization. He explains that victims often have unclear personal boundaries, are people-pleasers, and have deep psychological needs that make them prone to victimhood. Vaknin suggests that it is more important to address the psychology of the victim than their cognitive capacity to recognize abuse. He also highlights the need to restore faith in the future for both victims and narcissists, as well as the elites who have lost perspective on the future.
How Narcissists Undermine Workplaces, Businesses (Game Changers Interview 2 of 3)
In this conversation, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the effect of narcissism on the workplace. He explains that Western workplaces encourage the abuse of power and objectify workers, creating an incentive for both overt and covert narcissists. The hierarchy in Western workplaces is a Western invention, and it is part of Western civilization because the West organizes itself around industry. The only solution to narcissism and psychopathy in corporations and institutions is to transition from hierarchy to network, as the network organizational principle has numerous advantages and can counter the undue influence of narcissists and psychopaths.
Lose Your Narc Online Retreat with Mary Kane (LINKS in DESCRIPTION)
The transcript is a conversation between a woman who has been a victim of narcissistic abuse and Professor Sam Vaknin, an expert on narcissism. Vaknin discusses the nature of narcissism, its historical context, and the language he developed to describe it. He explains that narcissism is a form of self-love that is compensatory for deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and shame. Vaknin also describes the phases of a relationship with a narcissist, including love bombing, grooming, shared fantasy, and eventual devaluation and discard. He emphasizes the importance of boundaries, self-awareness, and the dangers of defining oneself as a victim. Vaknin also touches on the rise of narcissistic traits in women and the societal implications of this trend. The conversation concludes with Vaknin offering advice on how to protect oneself from narcissistic abuse and the importance of not perpetuating victimhood.
Big Bang of Narcissism (Game Changers Interview 1 of 3)
Dr. Sam Vaknin, a writer and psychologist, discusses narcissism and narcissistic abuse in society. He coined the phrase “narcissistic abuse” in 1995 to distinguish it from other forms of abuse, as it targets all dimensions of the victim simultaneously with the aim of eliminating the victim. Vaknin believes that the explosion of narcissism in society is due to population growth and the culture of consumption, which objectifies human beings. He also notes that political leaders reflect the underlying realities of the population, and that the electorate is narcissistic, which is why leaders are narcissistic. The conversation also touches on the role of the market and social media in perpetuating narcissistic behavior patterns.