Narcissism and the personal myth

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychoanalytic Theory
• Literary Analysis

Background:

• The concept of the personal myth was introduced by Kris (1956) as an autobiographical narrative rooted in family romance fantasies.
• This concept was primarily observed in obsessive characters and served a defensive purpose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expand the concept of the personal myth to encompass narcissistic pathology.
• To explore defensive constellations stemming from the grandiose self, characterized by omnipotent and omniscient fantasies.
• To examine the role of the personal myth as a protective mechanism against anxiety in individuals with pregenital narcissistic pathology.

Main Methods:

• The study expands upon Kris's (1956) psychoanalytic theory.
• It utilizes a case study approach, analyzing the life and work of author Nikos Kazantzakis.
• Biographical materials and the author's literary output serve as evidence.

Main Results:

• The personal myth can originate from the grandiose self in narcissistic character formations.
• Nikos Kazantzakis's personal myth is presented as a case study illustrating this expanded concept.
• Evidence suggests Kazantzakis's personal myth functioned as a defense against anxiety stemming from early narcissistic trauma.

Conclusions:

• The personal myth is a dynamic construct that can manifest in various forms of psychopathology, including narcissistic personality disorders.
• The grandiose self and omnipotent fantasies play a significant role in the formation of the personal myth in narcissistic individuals.
• The personal myth serves as a crucial psychological defense, shielding the individual from profound anxiety related to early developmental traumata.