Narcissism: Do you want to know what it is?

Narcissism is a term that has gained significant prominence in recent years. But what exactly is narcissism, and how has our understanding of it evolved over time? In this article, we will explore the historical and clinical roots of narcissism, its connection to cognitive styles, and the influence of social atomisation. So, let’s dive in!

The concept of narcissism traces its origins back to the mythological tale of Narcissus and Echo. In the early days, psychologists like Havelock Ellis and Sigmund Freud associated narcissism with abnormal self-focused sexuality. However, Freud later framed narcissism as a normal phase of healthy development, a period of self-focus that gradually evolves into a healthy reciprocal relationship. Interestingly, when love isn’t reciprocated, individuals may regress into what is known as secondary narcissism.
Over time, several psychologists have further delved into the concept of narcissism, offering varied perspectives. Karen Horney viewed it as a response to a dearth of love from caregivers, while Otto Kernberg saw it as a subtype of borderline personality disorders. On the other hand, Kohut considered narcissism as a healthy part of development, closely associated with a strong sense of self-worth.

Research has identified various traits associated with narcissism, such as assertiveness, self-esteem, extraversion, lack of empathy, entitlement, materialism, and aggression when rejected or insulted. To measure narcissism in non-clinical populations, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) has become a widely used tool.

The connection between social atomization and an analytic cognitive style has also been explored. Social atomization refers to a high level of self-focus and a low focus on others. One study proposed a possible link between social atomization and an analytic cognitive style but underscored the need for further research to grasp this relationship and its implications.

Furthermore, “social atomization” has been closely linked to cognitive style. Some studies have established that cultures with a high self-focus, such as the US and Japan, tend to have more analytic cognitive styles. In contrast, cultures with a high other focus, like South Korea, exhibit more holistic cognitive styles.

The interplay between narcissism, self-construal, cognitive style, and aggressive tendencies has also been examined. Research suggests that narcissism correlates positively with independent self-construal and negatively with interdependent self-construal. In simpler terms, narcissism is associated with a more independent mindset and a less interconnected view of oneself. Additionally, narcissistic aggression can be reduced by creating a sense of commonality or shared identity between the aggressor and the target, which mitigates the threat to the narcissist’s ego.

What has contributed to the rise of narcissism? Some theories propose that ego-inflating messages from parents, teachers, and the media play a role. Others suggest that societal changes brought about by economic conditions and isolating technologies might play a part. Regardless, understanding the causes of narcissism and its potential implications is an area that requires further exploration.

To conclude, narcissism is a multifaceted concept that has evolved significantly over the years. From its roots in mythology to its clinical understanding as a personality trait, narcissism has garnered attention for its relationship with cognitive styles, such as analytic thinking. The interplay between social atomization and narcissism adds intriguing dimensions to our understanding. As we continue to delve into this fascinating topic, further research will shed light on the causes and consequences of narcissism in different cultural contexts.

So, what is narcissism? It’s a complex phenomenon that fascinates psychologists and reflects certain societal shifts. Let’s keep exploring this fascinating culture of narcissism to gain deeper insights into ourselves and the world around us.