To: Velveeta
"Also, is narcissism a learned or inherited type of behavior?"
We don't know. There is quite a bit of theorizing among psychodynamic theorists. They believe these people often have cold, rejecting parents. The narcissism is a way of defending against feelings of rejection and unworthiness. Also, it is a way convincing themselves that they don't need intimate relationships with others. Evidence that supports these theories: Abused children, children of divorced parents, children given up for adoption, and children who have lost a parent to death all have a higher risk of being narcissistic.
There is also theorizing among behavioral/cognitive theorists. They believe that narcissism can be caused by treatment that is too positive or favorable. Evidence that supports this theory: First born & only children tend to be more narcissistic. Also, recent studies of narcissistic/sociopathic criminals suggests higher than average scores on self-esteem measures.
I'm not aware of any studies showing a biological component to this problem but there are some studies supporting biological factors in causing antisocial personality disorder. They tend to be underaroused, have less anxiety, and be sensation-seeking. The underarousal may make it difficult to learn from experience.
628 posted on
01/03/2004 7:04:07 AM PST by
drjulie
To: drjulie
Do people with narcissism ever feel guilty about their reactions or feelings?
For example - if Scott did not want children and was becoming increasingly more threatened by the baby's arrival would he ever feel bad because he felt this way?
633 posted on
01/03/2004 8:37:33 AM PST by
Cloe
To: drjulie
Great post, thank you! Reads like SP completely:
They believe these people often have cold, rejecting parents.
Ma Peterson giving away child after child....wonder if SP ever felt that if he made one "wrong" move he'd be outta there like the rest of them?
They tend to be underaroused, have less anxiety, and be sensation-seeking.
Hence, the Viagra? (Kidding!)
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