Pathological narcissism and the obstruction of love

Psychodyn Psychiatry. 2014 Mar;42(1):101-19. doi: 10.1521/pdps.2014.42.1.101.

Abstract

Pathological narcissism is a form of maladaptive self-regulation that impedes the capacity to love. Although narcissism is often construed as excessive self-love, individuals with pathological narcissism are impaired in being able to love themselves as well as others. With the subject of impaired love in mind, we review selected conceptualizations from an enormous and diverse psychodynamic literature on narcissism. Major theoretical approaches illustrate a number of psychodynamics associated with narcissistic self-regulatory problems. This paper provides a concise overview of major conceptual themes regarding pathological narcissism and impaired capacity to love.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Love*
  • Narcissism*
  • Personality Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Personality Disorders / psychology