Malignant Narcissism: From Fairy Tales to Harsh Reality
Mila Goldner-Vukov & Laurie Jo Moore
University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Manaaki House Community Mental Health Service
Psychiatria Danubina (2010) Vol. 22, No. 3, pp 392–405
In MN destructive aspects of the self and the expression of aggression become idealized (Rosenfield,1971). People with MN give the appearance of being self-sufficient and successful. Covertly, however, they are fragile, vulnerable to shame and sensitive to criticism. Failure to succeed in grandiose efforts results in prominent mood swings with irritability, rage and feelings of emptiness. People with MN are driven by an intense need for recognition. Inwardly, they are deeply envious of people who have meaningful lives. They are adaptive, capable of consistent hard work and of achieving success. However, their work is done primarily to gain admiration and their intellect is strikingly shallow. They are often materialistic and ready to shift their values to gain favour. They are prone to pathological lying. In the realm of love and sexuality they are charming, seductive and promiscuous, but unable to develop deep relationships. When not involved in narcissistic pursuits, they are cold, unempathetic, exploitative and indifferent towards others. Disturbing feelings of inferiority, self-doubt, boredom, alienation, emptiness and aimlessness underlie their persona (Kernberg 1984). (pg. 393)
