While narcissism has received significant attention in recent years, it remains poorly understood and often inaccurately portrayed. This is unfortunate given that scientific research suggests the prevalence of narcissistic problems is on the rise, afflicting more men than had been previously thought and impacting women as well. Further, by some estimates, narcissism is implicated in the breakup of relationships more so than any other factor, including infidelity! This epidemic of narcissism means that you will likely encounter a person with narcissistic traits in your personal and/or professional life.
Narcissistic tendencies are the result of psychological defenses employed early in development when the child's need for empathic reflection and mirroring was frustrated. The adult narcissist emotionally negotiates romantic relationships in a destructive pattern that is designed not to control or gain power, as is commonly thought, but to extract the intolerable value of others. Across five phases, the narcissist unconsciously pursues a person who is desired. Then, through manipulation and other tactics, that which was desired about this person is gradually defamed. Ultimately, the narcissist attempts to transform the significant other into nothing more than a mirror.
This webinar will describe the origins of narcissistic problems in child development and review how narcissistic dynamics are played out in adult relationships. The five common phases of these relational dynamics will be illustrated with examples from the workplace and romantic relationships.
