A Study of Narcissism :: Psychology Essays

A Study of self-loveMissing works citedSpanning back to the era of quaint Greek mythology, conceit is currently recognized as an infatuation and obsession with sensations self to the exclusion of all others, and as the egocentric pursuit of ones gratification, dominance and ambition (Vaknin 1). This egocentric disorder is named after the ancient Greek myth of Narcissus- a man so enchanted by his own reflection that he pined away before it. The origin of narcism as an acknowledged psychosis is deeply rooted in the mythological extraction of its very namesake. Narcissus obsession with image shows his self-idolization, but also hints toward an insecurity regarding individuality and self worth (Alford 3). According to Ovids classic account, Narcissus is quoted saying Am I the lover or beloved? Then why convey love? Since I am what I long for, then my riches are So great they make me poor. (Ovid 464) Parallel in acknowledgment to Narcissus, those diag nosed with his disorder are consumed by an exaggerated drive for supremacy and control. attribute also is a predilection toward entitlement. Narcissists tend to the notion that one is valued of great admiration and esteem, regardless of his or her accomplishments (Vaknin 5). Present psychology diagnoses this mannikin of self-fascination as a distinctive mental health illness - narcissistic Personality Disorder, or NPD as documented in the fourth var. of the Diagnostic and Statistics Manuel (1994). Common characteristics of an individual afflicted by the disorder complicate feelings of grandiosity, desiring a state of unequalled brilliance, the need for constant affirmation, and the interpersonal ontogenesis(DSM 1994) of others for self- achievement. Narcissism is usually seen as an infatuation with self so bang-up that the welfare of others is ignored. This is due to the narcissistic opinion that people exterior to the self simply serve to mirror ones own im portance. As analyzed by Freud, the story of Narcissus and its resulting condition can be dissever into two categories regressive versus progressive (Alford 35). Freud interprets narcissistic behavior as uncomplete sick nor healthy, but indicative of the normal human condition.