10-10-2012, 10:32 PM
Sometimes it's interesting to look at some theories to see if there are similarities in understanding narcissism.
E.g., John Bowlby and others (attachment and object relations perspective) do see pathological narcissism as a protection mechanism. In childhood we develop an 'internal working model' or a set of guidelines on how we understand ourselves and others, and the world around us. Based on the quality of the bonding between child and caregiver(s), the child's internal working model may be negative or positive. If negative, it's possible that the person views himself as an unloveable and unworthy person, and that others think he is unlovable and unworthy, and the experience back up this understanding of himself. So by dismissing this negative internal working model, the self becomes fragmented into a "false self" and more "true self" (or even other types). That's a lot of work in building and maintaining an "image" out there and make oneself believe in it, too, despite experiencing self in contrary ways. It seems a bit like joining a cult (of, really, a personality).
E.g., John Bowlby and others (attachment and object relations perspective) do see pathological narcissism as a protection mechanism. In childhood we develop an 'internal working model' or a set of guidelines on how we understand ourselves and others, and the world around us. Based on the quality of the bonding between child and caregiver(s), the child's internal working model may be negative or positive. If negative, it's possible that the person views himself as an unloveable and unworthy person, and that others think he is unlovable and unworthy, and the experience back up this understanding of himself. So by dismissing this negative internal working model, the self becomes fragmented into a "false self" and more "true self" (or even other types). That's a lot of work in building and maintaining an "image" out there and make oneself believe in it, too, despite experiencing self in contrary ways. It seems a bit like joining a cult (of, really, a personality).