What is it about?
The article main issue discusses the conceptual ambiguity surrounding Kohut’s proposed model of narcissism vis-a`-vis his notion of the self. For example, there are some people who are not necessarily narcissists but who have failed to develop a mature and coherent sense of self. Furthermore, I suggest that the model presented by Kohut, fails to considerate the defensive function of narcissism (narcissistic grandiosity as a defense from anxiety, depression, inferior feelings etc.) and led to ignorance of a whole complex and dynamic inner world which the narcissist person deals with.
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Why is it important?
Kohut’s theory of self-psychology had an enormous impact on the psychoanalytic community and its approach to narcissism. Thus, I found it very important to emphasis the limitation of his theory which gives rise to some issues and concerns regarding the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of pathological narcissism.
Perspectives
When I wrote this article, my aim was to contribute to decrease the confusion and ambiguity in the current literature about the narcissistic disorder.
Orna Afek
Tamuz Institute
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This page is a summary of: Reflections on Kohut’s theory of self psychology and pathological narcissism—Limitations and concerns., Psychoanalytic Psychology, July 2018, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/pap0000201.
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