Introduction
Narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder is a pathological psychological condition. This type of personality disorder was so tricky during treatment that in 2013 there were attempts to delete it from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This paper aims to provide a literature review on narcissism and present possible implications and applications of the discussed articles.
Literature Review
Dingfelder, S. F. (2011). Reflecting on narcissism. American Psychological Association, 42 (2), 64.
In the introduction, the author proposes to imagine a country where people are completely absorbed in themselves, easily manipulate others, and behave like participants in a reality show. Dingfelder (2011) suggests that such a country would have high crime rates, both violent and white-collar, cosmetic surgery would be commonplace, and materialism would flourish. The author also noted that such a country would have a high level of anxiety and depression since narcissists hardly know how to make friends and maintain meaningful relationships. Further, the author said that the United States has long been moving in this direction.
Further, in the discussion section, the author describes several scientific studies that confirm and refute the assertion that young people have become more narcissistic than previous generations. Dingfelder (2011) agrees with one of the authors that just like phones and cars in the 1970s, smartphones, and technology in the 2010s made people more separated from the community and live interaction. The increasing trend towards narcissism has been influenced by the Internet culture, which encourages people to behave like TV stars.
Dingfelder, S. F. (2011). Narcissism and the DSM. American Psychological Association, 42 (2), 67.
In another article on narcissism, Dingfelder (2011) draws attention to the disturbing fact that Narcissistic Personality Disorder “may not make it into the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), due out in 2013” (p. 67). According to Dingfelder (2011), the official reason for this revision is to find the causes of personality disorders common to all types. However, according to the author, such a decision is likely to lead to psychotherapists and scientists’ paying even less attention to narcissistic personality disorder since it loses its name, turning into a series of different symptoms.
Ogrodniczuk, J. S. (2013). Understanding and treating pathological narcissism. American Psychological Association.
In the introduction, Ogrodniczuk (2013) notes that many psychotherapists face extreme difficulties in treating patients with narcissistic personality disorder. These difficulties stem from the fact that most patients are reluctant to enter therapy and cause unique frustration and negative emotions in psychotherapists. The author further explains that this book collects unique ideas and approaches developed by eminent clinical experts. Ogrodniczuk (2013) emphasizes that the history of this disorder can be traced from ancient myths to Freud’s concepts and later psychodynamic approaches. The scientist summarizes that Narcissistic Personality Disorder is treatable and that many therapeutic models apply to it.
Implications and Application
The presented findings are significant as they represent a generalized view of many people’s mental deviation. The narcissistic disorder leads to suffering in the environment of the person and their mental devastation. It has side symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fear of the future, inability to create supportive and meaningful relationships. Therefore, the disorder must continue to be taken seriously and not ascribed to “pop culture” symptoms.
In the articles presented, the authors conclude that narcissistic disorder is curable and worthy of attention. The first article provides evidence and logically argues that the number of people affected by this disorder continues to grow. The second article expresses concern about deleting this disorder from the list of existing personality disorders. The third article offers a solution in the form of a series of therapeutic practices that proved successful. The author of the first article argues that there is a need to continue research and collect more data to identify the scope of this disorder.
Conclusion
Thus a literature review on narcissism was provided, and possible implications and application of the discussed articles were presented. Narcissism is a dangerous disorder that should be taken seriously, as it causes suffering for many people. Many therapeutic practices can help cure this disorder. However, more research is needed to determine the extent of the disease.
References
Dingfelder, S. F. (2011). Reflecting on narcissism. American Psychological Association, 42 (2), 64.
Dingfelder, S. F. (2011). Narcissism and the DSM. American Psychological Association, 42 (2), 67.
Ogrodniczuk, J. S. (2013). Understanding and treating pathological narcissism. American Psychological Association.