Covert, Women Narcissists Make It Into NEW DSM 5-TR
The DSM-5 acknowledges covert or vulnerable narcissists and accepts parity between women and men in terms of being diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. However, the DSM-5 is still disappointing and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Committee is still somewhat influenced by the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. The DSM-5 introduces dimensional models for personality disorders, which represent maladaptive variants of personality traits that merge imperceptibly into normality and into one another. The DSM’s alternative model for narcissistic personality disorder specifies typical features of narcissistic personality disorder are variable and vulnerable self-esteem, with attempts at regulation through attention and approval seeking, and either overt or covert grandiosity.
We are Nothing but Time: Chronon Field Theory (with Benny Hendel)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses his work on chronome field theory, which aims to simplify physics by using time as a force with a field and a single particle called a chronon. The chronon has different excitation states that correspond to various aspects of physics, such as mass and energy. By using these two principles, Vaknin claims that all existing theories in physics can be derived, including string theory and quantum field theory.
Psychedelics Hype Or Hope
Professor Sam Vaknin argues that claims about the healing effects of psychedelics on narcissistic personality disorder are exaggerated and misleading. He states that there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims, as most studies on psychedelics have not been conducted with proper control groups. Vaknin believes that talk therapy is the recommended treatment for pathological narcissism, while antidepressants can be used for comorbid depression and OCD. He advises against self-treatment with psychedelics for psychological disorders, as it may cause more harm than good.
Solitude: Why Are We So Lonely, Alone? (with Benny Hendel)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the increasing trend of people choosing to be alone, with half the adult population in the United States being single or in short-term relationships. He attributes this to factors such as technological self-sufficiency, the hollowing out of family functions, overcrowding, societal collapse, and a preference for being alone when needs are met. Additionally, Vaknin mentions the rise in depression and anxiety rates, which can lead to social isolation. He warns that this trend could lead to social unrest and violence on a global scale.
Narcissistic Women vs. Borderline Women vs. Narcissistic Men
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the differences between men and women when it comes to personality disorders. He states that there is little difference between male and female narcissists in terms of their psychodynamics, but their behaviors may differ due to societal and cultural expectations. Within the same diagnosis, the variation between men and women is low, but the variation between diagnoses is much higher. Vaknin also notes that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is gender-neutral in its language, but some claims within it can be seen as sexist.
Adapting to Dystopian New Normal (Interview with Shot Magazine)
The transcript features a conversation between the interviewer and Professor Sam Vaknin, discussing societal trends, psychology, and the future of human behavior. Vaknin expresses a pessimistic view of current societal trends, suggesting that narcissism and psychopathy are becoming more adaptive traits in modern society. He argues that technology and certain ideologies have led to increased isolation, self-sufficiency, and a decline in empathy and intimacy. Vaknin proposes that limiting harmful ideologies and regulating technology could reverse these trends, but he doubts the political will to make such changes. He also notes that younger generations seem disengaged from life, showing less interest in traditional markers of adulthood. Vaknin believes that while there is potential for societal healing, the current trajectory is concerning, with a shift towards materialism and self-objectification.
Reaction Formation: Why White Supremacists Attack LGBTQIA+
Reaction formation is a psychological defense mechanism where individuals behave in a way that denies their hidden feelings and motivations, which they find unacceptable. This defense mechanism is often exaggerated, compulsive, and intended to overcompensate for anxiety related to socially unacceptable thoughts and emotions. Reaction formation is commonly seen in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, paranoia, and social activists with high narcissistic and psychopathic tendencies. To help someone with reaction formation, it is important to provide a supportive environment, legitimize their true feelings, and show them that their real feelings are more socially acceptable than their reaction formation behaviors.
Debunking the Human Mind, Condition (with Isabella Wang, EXCERPTS)
The text is a conversation between two individuals discussing various topics, including the role of technology, the impact of transitions in human history, and the challenges of reaching a consensus in society. They also touch on the concept of consciousness and the impact of consumerism on nature and human relationships. The conversation ends with a toast to the last sip of wine.
Mythbusting the Human Mind, Condition (Starts 18:18 with Isabella Wang )
The text is a conversation between two individuals discussing various topics, including the role of technology, the state of humanity, and the impact of transitions on society. They touch on the lack of consensus in modern transitions and the need for collaboration to ensure a better future. The conversation delves into the impact of consumerism and the shift towards a death cult, emphasizing the need to prioritize life and nature. The discussion also highlights the challenges of modern society and the potential consequences of celebrating death.
Do Psychopaths Have Conscience, Morality Narcissists
Psychopaths and narcissists may have moral judgment, but lack empathy, leading to a lack of motivation to act morally. The internalism theory, which suggests that moral judgment alone motivates moral action, is challenged by the fact that psychopaths have moral judgment but do not act morally. Studies show that psychopaths have subtle deficits in moral cognition, but their moral judgment is intact. The lack of empathy means they do not regard others as separate individuals, making morality meaningless to them. This challenges the idea that psychopaths lack moral judgment and suggests that their deficits lie in empathy rather than moral cognition.