The Occasional Perspective - 9/19/24

When I feel I must share my thoughts and perspectives on a burning issue…

On Narcissistic Behavior – the events of the last couple of months in various forms have heightened the number of behind-the-scenes conversations among healthcare providers related to Narcissistic Collapse that occurs when a narcissist’s ability to uphold their grandiose, confident image is threatened. When challenged or confronted, individuals with the disorder will often become enraged, resulting in impulsivity, intense lashing out, or harm to others. While this reaction isn’t typically intentional, it’s a way for the narcissist to re-establish a sense of control. I encourage all of my readers to check out the above-noted hyperlink on the disorder. In brief (and, I quote) from the site highlighted above:

“A narcissistic collapse happens when a narcissist believes that someone (or something) is threatening their ability to maintain their superficial inflated ego. People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) often look down on others to maintain the positive images they hold about themselves. If their behavior is called out or challenged, their fragile self-esteem is damaged, resulting in intense reactions and abuse toward others.¹

“Narcissistic collapse isn’t an official psychiatric term and hasn’t been extensively studied. However, some researchers and psychologists argue that collapse essentially disarms the false self associated with narcissism.² Because narcissists are so insecure, they often feel empty and hollow–they need admiration from others to feel validated.³”

 The issue is coming to the forefront as part of our national conversation. As healthcare providers, all of us need to offer the best analysis and perspective on what we see and hear in the ongoing debates about the future of our nation.

Citations:

• Kowalchyk, M., et al. (2021). Narcissism through the lens of performative self-elevation. Personality and Individual Differences, 177, 110780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.110780
• Vaknin, S. (2020). Narcissistic Mortification, Shame, and Fear. SunText Review of Neuroscience & Psychology. https://doi.org/10.51737/2766-4503.2020.006
• Speaking of Psychology: Recognizing a narcissist. (2016). American Psychological Association. Retrieved fromhttps://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/narcissism.