Narcissism

“This book provides an excellent, up-to-date psychoanalytic view of the clinical and growing extra-clinical phenomenon of narcissism. The book's collection of papers by leading psychoanalytic clinicians and researchers illustrates the complex nature of narcissistic experience and narcissistically motivated behaviours, providing a contemporary understanding of narcissism as a broad affective spectrum between the poles of a lively, realistically positive self-esteem and a possible self-aggrandizement with varying consequences for the quality of interpersonal relationships. In the course of this presentation, a fascination grows for the connection between clinical psychoanalysis and extra-clinical psychoanalytic research as well as for the inclusion of individual-centred as well as cultural-theoretical and social perspectives. Anyone who wants to know what contemporary psychoanalysis means in the 21st century will find central answers here that will stimulate their own thinking.” —Dr. med. Heribert Blass, Training Analyst, German Psychoanalytic Association (DPV), IPA-President elect

“As pathological narcissism drives polarization, science denial, and political deception, this book provides a crucial psychoanalytic perspective on our time. Are we living in a 'narcissistic age,' where malignant, omnipotent leaders exploit unresolved vulnerabilities to manipulate the masses? Through rigorous clinical and empirical research, this work unpacks the deep entanglement of individual and collective pathologies shaping today’s crises. Understanding these forces is not just necessary—it is urgent! A must-read for anyone unwilling to succumb to illusory grandiosity, regression, and the seductive pull of destructive power.” —Prof. Dr.med. Ricardo Bernardi, Training analyst Uruguayan Psychoanalytic Association (APU), Former Dean of the Medical faculty of Universidad de Montevideo

“This rich, timely, and vitally important book includes chapters by an international collection of sophisticated psychoanalytic theorists, researchers and clinicians presenting a much-needed broad spectrum of perspectives for understanding narcissism. Seeking a stronger interlinking between psychoanalytic knowledge of the largely unconscious individual mind and wider interdisciplinary dialogue, the chapters offer a contemporary understanding of narcissism’s impact on trauma, depression, as well group dynamics, collective regression, and the role of malignant leadership. Finally and most significantly in today’s turbulent times marked by autocratic turns and threats to democracy, the book sheds considerable light on powerful social issues and difficult cultural challenges. This is a book that should stimulate thinking and deepen awareness among social scientists, serious scholars, and psychoanalysts and other practitioners.” —Michael J. Diamond, Ph.D, Training and Supervising Analyst, Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic Studies; Author, Ruptures in the American Psyche: Containing Destructive Populism in Perilous Times and Masculinity and Its Discontents: The Male Psyche and the Inherent Tensions of Maturing Manhood.