A note on narcissism

The connection of the concept of narcissism with the concept of the self is re-examined in the light of Hartmann's formulation of narcissism as cathexis of the self. While the formula is valid, its converse remains open to question. Implications for a psychology of the self independent of (but not divorced from) the dynamics of narcissism are suggested in regard to the understanding of perversions, development, narcissistic object relations, and self-esteem. The viability of a separate psychology of the self in each area is proposed.