Identifying and Understanding the Narcissistic Personality

Author(s): Elsa F. Ronningstam

Personality Disorders

Narcissists have been much maligned, but according to clinicians who study personality, there are many productive narcissists who succeed spectacularly well in life because they can articulate a vision and make others follow. Elsa Ronningstam, who has been studying and treating narcissists for 29 years, presents a balanced, comprehensive, and up-to-date review of our understanding of narcissistic personality disorder, explaining the range from personality trait, which can be productive, to full-blown disorder, which can be highly destructive. Through fascinating case histories, Ronningstam shows us the inner life of narcissists, the tug of war that exists within them between self-confidence and arrogance on the one hand and painful shame and insecurity on the other. It is the first integrated clinical and empirical guide to assist clinicians in their work with narcissistic patients.


Product Information

Personality disorders, while always discussed and sometimes deferred on Axis II, do exist. Narcissistic personality finally is receiving the attention it deserves with this book. Readers should always be ready to expand their knowledge base with worthwhile information and this book will quite comfortably satisfy that need. Doody's Journal

1. From myth to personality disorder; 2. A normal asset with cultural differences; 3. The origins and scope of narcissistic personality disorder; 4. Identifying pathological narcissism; 5. Differentiating pathological narcissism; 6. Asset or disruption? Narcissism in the workplace; 7. My way or no way? Narcissism and suicide; 8. Correction or corrosion? Changes in pathological narcissism; EPILOGUE

General Fields

  • : 9780195148732
  • : Oxford University Press Inc
  • : Oxford University Press Inc
  • : May 2005
  • : United States
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Elsa F. Ronningstam
  • : Hardback
  • : 616.85854
  • : 256
  • : 1 table