What Causes Narcissistic Rage?

03/07/2023 19 min Episodio 17
What Causes Narcissistic Rage?

Listen "What Causes Narcissistic Rage?"

Episode Synopsis

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn explores the possible causes of narcissistic rage, referencing the work of Ernest S. Wolf, a close collaborator with Heinz Kohut and author of the book 'Treating the Self: Elements of Clinical Self Psychology."
Dr. Ettensohn discusses the ways in narcissistic rage functions as a defense of the unbearably wounded self and results from implicit confusion between self and other rooted in traumatic early experiences of helplessness, humiliation, and shame.
References:
Crisp, H., & Gabbard, G. O. (2020). Principles of psychodynamic treatment for patients with narcissistic personality disorder. Journal of Personality Disorders, 34 (Special Issue), 143-158.
Pincus, A.L., Ansell, E.B., Pimentel, C.A., Cain, N.M., Wright, A.G.C., & Levy, K.N. (2009). Initial construction and validation of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory. Psychological Assessment, 21, 365-79.
Ruiz, M. (2001). The four agreements: A practical guide to personal freedom. Amber-Allen Publishing.
Wolf, E.S. (1988). Treating the self: Elements of clinical self psychology. New York: The Guilford Press