In the realm of psychology, understanding personality disorders is crucial to better comprehend the intricacies of human behaviour. Today, we will delve into an intriguing yet challenging personality type: the Schizoid Narcissist. This unique combination of traits combines the introversion and emotional detachment of schizoid personality disorder with the self-centredness and grandiosity of narcissistic personality disorder. Join us as we explore the characteristics, behaviour patterns, and potential implications of this complex personality structure.
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Defining Schizoid Narcissism
The Schizoid Narcissist, as the name suggests, creates a notable paradox in personality traits. Schizoid personality disorder primarily encompasses emotional aloofness, detachment, and avoidance of social activities. Meanwhile, narcissistic personality disorder manifests as an excessive desire for admiration, self-absorption, and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Combining these two opposing traits gives rise to a unique hybrid: the Schizoid Narcissist.
Characteristics and Behaviours
1. Emotional Detachment: The schizoid aspect of this personality structure often leads to an emotional void, as individuals struggle to associate and empathise with others. They may experience limited or absent emotional reactions, further amplifying their sense of detachment.
3. Social Isolation and Avoidance: These individuals often avoid social situations as they struggle with forming and maintaining meaningful relationships. The fear of rejection or being criticised tends to drive them further into a solitary existence, detached from the needs and experiences of others.
Living with or having a close relationship with a Schizoid Narcissist can present various challenges, both for the individuals themselves and those around them. Some potential implications include:
2. Impact on Personal and Professional Life: These individuals may struggle to function effectively in the workplace or maintain long-term friendships due to their self-centredness, emotional unavailability, and difficulty working in teams.
3. Lack of Emotional Support: Schizoid Narcissists often struggle to provide emotional support to others, resulting in strained relationships and unfulfilled emotional needs for their loved ones.
Quick Instructions for Daily Practice and Healing
1. Identify and acknowledge the traits associated with schizoid narcissism.
9. Practiseself-care and engage in activities that promote personal growth and well-being.
10. Maintain awareness of progress and setbacks while staying committed to personal growth and self-improvement.
Conclusion
The Schizoid Narcissist’s unique blend of characteristics underscores the intricate nature of personality disorders. Understanding and recognising these traits can help individuals themselves, as well as those around them, attain a deeper appreciation of their complicated behavioural dynamics. Compassion, empathy, and tailored therapeutic approaches can aid in fostering healthier interactions, promoting personal growth and overall well-being for all parties involved.
Narcissism has been a subject of fascination and intrigue for centuries. Often stigmatised and misunderstood, narcissism exists on a spectrum, ranging from healthy self-confidence to pathological self-absorption. While most people are familiar with the concept of narcissism as a personality disorder, a lesser-known variant called primary narcissism sheds light on our early development and sense of self.
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The Roots of Primary Narcissism
Primary narcissism, a term coined by renowned psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, refers to the early stage of human development in which the infant is entirely centred around themselves. During this phase, typically occurring in the first years of life, the child inherently believes they are the centre of the universe, with their needs taking precedence.
Freud proposed that primary narcissism emerges as a necessary survival mechanism for the infant, as it aids in the development of self-awareness and boundary establishment. As a child grows, they become more attuned to external influences, leading to a gradual shift away from primary narcissism.
Understanding the Characteristics
1. Self-Preoccupation: Children in the primary narcissism stage perceive themselves as the focal point of their own world. Their needs, desires, and emotions become the driving force of their existence. However, it is essential to recognise that this self-involvement is a natural and critical aspect of healthy childhood development.
2. Difficulty with Empathy: At this stage, children struggle to comprehend and relate to the emotions and experiences of others. Their self-centredness limits their ability to fully grasp the concept of empathy, as their focus remains primarily directed towards their own world.
3. Fragile Self-Esteem: Children in the primary narcissism phase base their self-worth on external validation, often seeking reassurance and approval from their caregivers. If the child does not receive sufficient validation, it may lead to long-term effects on their self-esteem and ability to form healthy relationships later in life.
Healthy Development and Beyond
While primary narcissism is a necessary and healthy phase, it’s crucial for children to gradually transition towards healthier forms of self-awareness. As children grow, they start recognising the presence and significance of others, cultivating empathy and developing a more balanced sense of self. The successful navigation of this developmental process sets the foundation for secure self-confidence and healthy relationships in adulthood.
Understanding and Tackling Primary Narcissism
1. Avoid Stigmatisation: It is important to recognise that primary narcissism is a natural and necessary part of early childhood development. Rather than stigmatising or pathologising it, parents and caregivers should understand its purpose and guide the child towards healthy socialisation.
2. Encourage Social Experiences: Facilitate opportunities for children to interact with others, encouraging turn-taking, sharing, and practising empathy. Providing positive social experiences will contribute to their growth and development beyond primary narcissism.
3. Build Self-Worth through Internal Factors: Encourage children to explore their interests, talents, and passions, instilling a sense of self-worth derived from internal qualities and achievements rather than relying solely on external validation.
Quick Instructions for Daily Adult Practice & Healing
Do you feel like you are regressing? Do you experience primary narcissism as an adult? Here are a few steps to practice and heal slowly:
1. Recognise and acknowledge narcissistic traits or behaviour in oneself.
2. Accept accountability and responsibility for these traits.
3. Reflect on the underlying causes or insecurities that may have led to narcissism.
4. Seek professional help or therapy to address and work through these underlying issues.
5. Engage in self-reflection and introspection to develop empathy and an understanding of others’ perspectives.
6. Practise self-care and self-compassion to build a healthier self-esteem and self-image.
7. Maintain open communication and meaningful relationships to foster emotional growth.
Have you ever encountered someone who is completely obsessed with themselves? Someone who constantly seeks attention, adoration, and validation? Well, chances are you have come across an individual with a narcissistic fixation. Narcissistic fixation refers to an excessive and obsessive preoccupation with oneself, often driven by an insatiable need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others.
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Narcissistic fixation, also referred to as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is a complex psychological condition that affects a significant number of people worldwide. These individuals have an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. They constantly seek validation and attention, using various tactics to assert their superiority and maintain their grandiose self-image.
One of the most prominent characteristics of narcissistic fixation is their constant need for admiration. They believe that they are superior to others and deserve special treatment and recognition. They often engage in self-promotion, boasting about their achievements, talents, or physical appearance. They seek constant validation from others, often fishing for compliments or seeking reassurance about their self-worth.
While it is normal for individuals to have some level of self-interest, those with a narcissistic fixation take it to a whole new level. They become utterly consumed with themselves, never considering the thoughts, feelings, or needs of others. Empathy is a foreign concept to them, as they struggle to connect emotionally with anyone around them. Their relationships often suffer, as they view others as mere objects to meet their needs.
Communication with individuals having a narcissistic fixation can be challenging as well. They tend to monopolise conversations, always bringing the spotlight back to themselves. They often interrupt others, disregarding their input and dismissing their opinions. Their need for constant attention and validation can leave others feeling unheard and neglected.
The causes of narcissistic fixation can vary from person to person. Some theorists believe that it may be a result of early childhood experiences, such as excessive praise or indulgence from parents or caregivers, or, conversely, neglect or abuse. Others suggest that it may be a defence mechanism to mask deeply rooted insecurities and low self-esteem. Still, others argue that it may have a biological component.
So, how can we navigate relationships with individuals who have a narcissistic fixation? Firstly, it is essential to set clear boundaries. Recognise that their need for attention and validation is insatiable, and it is not your responsibility to continually fulfil their needs. Secondly, maintain a sense of personal identity and self-worth. Do not let their constant self-centredness undermine your confidence or make you feel inferior. Remember that their fixation is not a reflection of your value.
Lastly, encourage them to seek professional help. Narcissistic fixation is a deeply ingrained pattern of behaviour, and it requires the assistance of a trained mental health professional to address it effectively. However, keep in mind that individuals with narcissistic fixation may be resistant to treatment since they often see nothing wrong with their behaviour.
In conclusion, narcissistic fixation is a psychological condition characterised by an excessive preoccupation with oneself. These individuals have an insatiable need for attention, admiration, and validation while lacking empathy for others. Understanding this condition can help us navigate relationships with individuals who have a narcissistic fixation. By setting boundaries, maintaining self-worth, and encouraging professional help, we can protect our own well-being while offering support to those struggling with this complex disorder.
Narcissism, derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus, refers to an excessive focus on oneself, self-admiration, and an inflated sense of self-importance. While most of us can relate to certain self-oriented tendencies, narcissism becomes problematic when it interferes with one’s ability to form meaningful connections with others. In recent years, the concept of “extimacy” has emerged, shedding light on the paradoxical relationship between narcissism and the need for external validation. In this blog post, we explore the intricacies of extimacy and its implications for individuals who exhibit narcissistic traits.
Understanding Narcissism
Before diving into the concept of extimacy, it is essential to grasp the essential features of narcissism. Narcissists often exhibit grandiose behavior, an excessive need for admiration, and a lack of empathy towards others. Behind their self-assured facade, however, lies an underlying insecurity and fragile self-esteem. Narcissism is often considered a defense mechanism, shielding individuals from feeling vulnerable or inadequate, as they focus solely on their self-perceived superiority.
The Intricate Dance of Extimacy
Extimacy, a term coined by French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan, describes the act of needing to seek external validation to feel secure and have self-esteem (you can learn more about it by reading ‘Extimacy & Extimate Relationships‘). There exists a paradoxical relationship between narcissism and the need for external validation. While narcissists are known for their self-centredness, they paradoxically rely heavily on others for validation. Extimacy highlights how narcissists, in their pursuit of admiration, inadvertently rely on external sources to validate and affirm their inflated self-image. Without this external validation, they may experience a plummeting sense of self-worth, leading to anxiety and a heightened need for attention.
The Extimacy Feedback Loop
The interplay between extimacy and narcissism creates a perpetual feedback loop. Narcissists constantly seek validation from others, whether through praise, attention, or other means. Their self-esteem is highly dependent on these external affirmations, which further drives them to seek more validation. This cycle poses difficulties in forming authentic connections, as the narcissist’s interactions are often solely focused on serving their own ego rather than fostering reciprocal, empathetic relationships.
The Implications of Extimacy
The extimacy of narcissism manifests itself in various aspects of life. In personal relationships, the partner of a narcissist may feel locked into a trajectory of providing endless validation, struggling to meet the narcissist’s insatiable need for admiration. Friendships may suffer as the narcissist manipulates social interactions, steering them towards his or her glorification. The workplace can also be tense when a narcissistic colleague craves constant attention and undermines others for personal gain.
Breaking Free from the Extimacy Trap
While it is challenging for narcissists to break free from the cycle of extimacy, individuals with narcissistic tendencies can develop healthier relationships and a more robust sense of self. Seeking therapy can provide an opportunity for self-reflection, helping to uncover the underlying insecurities and to cultivate empathy towards others. Gradually shifting the focus from external validation to personal growth and inner strength can be transformative.
Conclusion
The extimacy of narcissism illustrates the complex relationship between self-adoration and a deep reliance on external validation. Understanding this dynamic is crucial in navigating relationships with narcissists, providing compassion, but also acknowledging the limitations. For those struggling with narcissistic tendencies, recognising and addressing the underlying insecurities is the first step towards building healthier, more authentic connections and fostering true self-acceptance.
The concept of “object relations” refers to the study of how individuals perceive and relate to others, particularly in the context of relationships. It is a psychological theory that focuses on the ways in which early experiences and relationships shape our behaviours and attitudes in future relationships. Object relations theory suggests that our relationships are influenced by our internal “objects,” which are mental representations of significant people in our lives.
These internal objects are formed through our early interactions with caregivers and significant others. Our experiences with these individuals shape our expectations, emotions, and behaviours in later relationships. Object relations theory also emphasises the importance of the unconscious mind and how it influences our perceptions and interactions with others. It provides insights into how our past relationships influence our present and future relationships, and how understanding these dynamics can be helpful in improving our overall well-being.
Object-relations theory can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of narcissism. Narcissism, as defined in psychology, refers to an excessive sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. In the context of object-relations theory, narcissism can be understood as a result of early experiences and the formation of internal objects.
According to object-relations theory, individuals develop internal representations of themselves and others based on their early relationships, particularly with caregivers. In the case of narcissism, these internal objects may have been formed in an unhealthy or distorted way. For example, a child may have experienced inconsistent or conditional love from a caregiver, leading to a fragile sense of self and a constant need for external validation.
In the context of narcissism, the individual tends to relate to others primarily as objects to satisfy their own needs and desires, rather than seeing them as unique individuals with their own feelings and perspectives. This can result in a pattern of exploiting others for personal gain, lacking genuine empathy, and seeking constant admiration and attention. By exploring and addressing these early relational patterns, individuals with narcissistic tendencies can potentially develop healthier and more satisfying relationships.
It’s important to note that object-relations theory is just one perspective and there are various factors that contribute to the development of narcissism. Additionally, seeking professional help from a qualified therapist or psychologist is essential for a comprehensive understanding and treatment of narcissistic traits or Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
According to Adorno et al. (2019, p. xxiii), ‘the psyche of a fascist is “authoritarian” in the sense that it attaches itself to figures of strength and disdains those it deems weak. It tends toward conventionalism, rigidity, and stereotypical thinking; it insists on a stark contrast between in-group and out-group, and it jealousy patrols the boundaries between them’. This article will introduce the psychology behind Vladimir Putin’s actions against Ukraine during early 2022. It will also draw from Adorno et al. (1950) in order to teach about the intersection of psychology and politics. Topics such as narcissism, totalitarianism, and antisemitism will be covered with special attention to the current crisis Ukranian Jews are facing as a result of Russia’s declaration of war.
Introduction
Putin invaded Ukraine on the 24th February, 2022. The next day, on the 25th February, Putin threatened the world with potential nuclear warfare. He stated: ‘Whoever tries to hinder us, and even more so, to create threats to our country, to our people, should know that Russia’s response will be immediate. And it will lead you to such consequences that you have never encountered in your history’ (Gollom, 2022). Next, he placed his nuclear deterrence team on high alert two days later blaming the UK for it (BBC News, 2022)’. Many other news flooded the Internet:
Russia captured the Chernobyl nuclear plant (Reuters, 2022a)
Russia captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant but Ukraine denied it (Daily Sabah, 2022).
Russia hit a nuclear waste disposal site (Tirone, 2022).
Russia unleashed a special Islamic death squad against Ukraine (Blair, 2022).
The news (Singh, 2022; Newman, 2022) also highlighted who supported Russia and who Supported Ukraine:
Venezuelan President Maduro supported Putin.
Ex-president Trump called Putin ‘smart’.
Belarus allowed Russia to attack Ukraine from their territory.
Anonymous— the hacker group— declared cyberwarfare against Russia.
China blamed the US for “escalating” tensions over Ukraine.
Pakistani president Khan supported Putin.
Syria pledged support to Russia.
Myanmar supported Russia.
Cuba supported Russia.
North Korea supported Russia.
Eritrea supported Russia.
The European Union and the rest of the world stood with Ukraine.
Antisemitism & Totalitarian Narcissism
According to Shaw (2014, p. 55) ‘traumatizing narcissists (including those […] labeled “malignant narcissists”) create totalitarian systems in which their malignant envy and paranoid fears, defended against with delusional omnipotence and bolstered by self-righteous rage and hatred, merge to shape a contemptuous agenda to enslave, control, and annihilate others, if not literally then figuratively. They defend their projects as morally justified, for the greater good. The narcissist is convinced that his selfish, cruel agenda is in fact a generous, compassionate offer of enlightenment and liberation, conducted under his superior auspices for the benefit of the rest of the inferior world. With this kind of traumatizing narcissism, all is self-righteousness and sanctimony, but nothing is sacred, no boundaries are respected’.
It was not long ago that Parker (2018) made an attempt to defend Putin’s government as not antisemitic; however, now that we have seen Putin’s desperate attempt to restore the Soviet Union, and his hatred against the Jewish president of Ukraine, it has never been clearer that if Putin showed any love towards the jews in the past, it was merely a facade and a trick of impression management. ‘The Vladimir Putin government and regime could be reasonably expected to be officially and virulently anti-semitic. Both the major regimes that preceded it, the Soviet Union and the Romanov dynasty, were officially anti-semitic and actively persecuted Jews inside their territory, often singling them about above other minorities for special mistreatment […] In reality, however, the Putin government is not offcially anti-Semitic’ (Parker, 2018). Maybe it was not officially antisemitic in 2017 when Parker published this article, but the same cannot be stated for 2022 when Putin’s overt offensive tactics became transparent. It seems, not much has changed since ‘Cold War theorists of totalitarianism such as Hannah Arendt were promoting the view that Nazism and Soviet Communism were variants of the same ideological and political form’, (Adorno et al., 2019, p. xxxv). It is also clear from Parker’s paper that Putin has been accusing Ukraine of being antisemitic for a while now, an excuse he used to initiate what was to become a grim episode of European warfare.
Furthermore, the Russian news reported that the Russian Ministry of Defence wanted to punish Kyiv leaders for ‘humiliation and torture’ and that each of them would ‘be tracked down and inevitably and properly punished’ (TASS, 2022). According to them, this was done to demilitarise and denazify Ukraine. However, what really has been conducted is an attempt at de-jewfication, as Ukraine’s president is Jewish (his grandfather survived the holocaust; Veidlinger, 2022), and so are many people in Ukraine. For instance, the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (2022) states that there is an enlarged population of 140,000 Jews in Ukraine, and that the largest population centres for the Jewish community are Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv and Odessa, all cities that were targeted early in the invasion:
Russia attacked Kharkiv and caused a lot of damage (Henley, 2022)
Moreover, according to Marsden (2022), ‘against the backdrop of the rising tensions, Ukraine hosted the European Jewish Association’s (EJA) antisemitism conference that centered around the commemoration of Babi Yar in which 33,701 of Kyiv’s Jews were gunned down by the Nazis, the biggest single massacre of Jews during the Holocaust’. On the 1st March 2022, Russia announced ‘high precision strikes’ (Kingsley, 2022) and went on to attack the Babi Yar Holocaust Memorial Centre in Ukraine, an action which the Jerusalem Post (2022) described as villains ‘killing Holocaust victims for the second time’.
It was also stated in the Marsden (2022) news article that Jews in Ukraine were warned in January to evacuate as a Russian invasion was suspected. Also, just as commemorations of the Holocaust were due on the 27th January, 2022; Russia’s threat was looming all over Ukraine, and for Ukranian Jews, this became ‘a mental note to stay vigilant, plan for the worst — and prepare to move fast out of harm’s way amid growing fears of an invasion by the hundreds of thousands of Russian troops that President Vladimir Putin has amassed in recent weeks along the border’ (Liphshiz, 2022). And indeed, the Russian aggression took place, displacing many Jews, as well as many other people and children. ‘Under totalitarian rule, anti-Semitism is no longer a matter of primary hostilities on the part of the people and of truly spontaneous actions. It is an administrative measure which uses existing prejudices and, to an even higher degree, psychological dispositions’ (Adorno et al., 2019, p. XLViii).
Based on all of the above information, it can be hypothesised that there is an antisemitic element in Russia’s attack against Ukraine, including the specific targeting of Jewish infrastructure in Babi Yar. Finally, Adorno et al. (1950, p. 3) state that: ‘(1) that anti-Semitism probably is not a specific or isolated phenomenon but a part of a broader ideological framework, and (2) that an individual’s susceptibility to this ideology depends primarily upon his psychological needs’.
Marsden, (2022) ‘Ukraine’s Jews warned to be ready for evacuation if Russia invades’, Jerusalem Post, 26 January [Online]. Available at https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-694629 (accessed 28 February 2022).
Parker, B. (2018) ‘Putin’s Chosen People: Theories of Russian Jewish Policy, 2000-2017’, The University of Pennsylvania Journal of Philosophy, Politics & Economics, vol 13:1, article 5 [Online]. Available at https://repository.upenn.edu/spice/vol13/iss1/5/ (accessed 27 February 2022).
TASS (2022) ‘Kiev regime’s leaders to be inevitably punished – Russian Defense Ministry’, 27 February [Online]. Available at https://tass.com/defense/1412703 (accessed 28 February 2022).
Lately I have been focusing my time towards doing some research and I will be publishing the findings on my Youtube channel. In these series of episodes I will be describing the key terminology related to matter, and then I will touch on psychological theory, and neuropsychological research about racism and narcissism. So if you are interested in understanding the psychology of these phenomena, please tune in!
