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Narcissism, mania and analysts' envy
1New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, NY, USA. hirschi1514@aol.com
American Journal of Psychoanalysis
|December 7, 2011
Summary
Certain character traits, like narcissism and grandiosity, are often seen as psychopathology. However, these traits can also be present in highly successful individuals, challenging purely negative interpretations.
Area of Science:
- Psychoanalytic theory
- Psychopathology
- Sociology of success
Background:
- Psychoanalytic literature typically pathologizes traits such as narcissism, mania, and grandiosity.
- These traits are often solely discussed as indicators of psychopathology.
- A potential bias exists where psychoanalysts may over-pathologize traits in successful patients due to envy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dual nature of specific character traits, examining their presence in both psychopathology and profound societal achievement.
- To challenge the routine pathologization of traits like narcissism and grandiosity within psychoanalytic discourse.
- To consider the influence of psychoanalysts' own desires and potential envy on their interpretations of successful individuals.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of psychoanalytic literature.
- Case study approach, referencing the television series Mad Men.
- Exploration of the relationship between personality traits, power, wealth, and societal contribution.
Main Results:
- Traits like narcissism and grandiosity are not exclusively pathological.
- Successful individuals often exhibit characteristics previously confined to psychopathology.
- Psychoanalytic interpretation may be influenced by the analyst's personal desires and societal perceptions of success.
Conclusions:
- The psychoanalytic view of certain character traits requires re-evaluation.
- A nuanced understanding is needed to differentiate between pathological manifestations and traits contributing to high achievement.
- The context of an individual's success and societal factors are crucial in assessing personality characteristics.
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