Richard Wood, a clinical psychologist with nearly five decades of experience, dives deep into malignant narcissism, sharing insights from his book, 'A Study of Malignant Narcissism: Personal and Professional Insights.' He explores how this condition serves as a defense against love, drawing from his own family history. The conversation reveals the complexities of therapeutic relationships with narcissistic individuals and discusses the impact of narcissistic leadership on society. Wood connects personal narratives to the broader themes of trauma and self-exploration.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Motivation for Writing
Richard Wood felt a responsibility to share his personal experiences with malignant narcissism to deepen the conversation.
He acknowledged the risk involved but felt the topic's importance outweighed it.
insights INSIGHT
Writing Process and Trauma
Writing about trauma caused re-traumatization and PTSD fantasies for Wood.
He credits his wife for support, highlighting the fear instilled by narcissistic environments.
insights INSIGHT
Malignant Narcissism vs. Narcissism
Malignant narcissism differs from other forms through lack of empathy, solipsism, and an investment in cruelty.
Distinguishing characteristics include grandiosity, mistrust, and an inability to tolerate insight.
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Factors in the Psychological Treatment of Narcissistic Personalities
Factors in the Psychological Treatment of Narcissistic Personalities
None
Otto Kernberg
A Study in Malignant Narcissism: Personal and Professional Insights
A Study in Malignant Narcissism: Personal and Professional Insights
Personal and Professional Insights
Richard Wood
Richard Wood's "A Study in Malignant Narcissism" delves into the complexities of malignant narcissism, drawing on both personal experiences and extensive professional insights. The book explores the psychological dynamics of this personality disorder, offering a unique perspective on its origins and manifestations. Wood challenges existing literature, presenting clinical material and personal anecdotes to illustrate the core characteristics of malignant narcissism. He argues for its classification as a subtype of psychopathy and proposes a framework for understanding its impact on individuals and society. The book also examines the devastating effects of narcissistic leadership and its implications for human relationships and societal well-being.
A Study of Malignant Narcissism: Personal and Professional Insights(Routledge, 2022) offers a unique insight into malignant narcissism, exploring both its personal and professional aspects and constructing a theoretical framework that renders its origins and manifestations more accessible.
With reference to his own family dynamic and to 45 years of professional experience, Richard Wood explores the psychology of malignant narcissism, positing it as a defense against love. The book first offers an overview of existing literature before examining relevant clinical material, including an analysis of Wood’s relationships with his own parents. Wood presents vignettes illustrating the core dynamics that drive narcissism, illustrated with sections of his father’s unpublished autobiography and with his patient work. The book makes the case for malignant narcissism to be considered a subtype of psychopathy and puts forth a framework setting out the key dynamics that typify these individuals, including consideration of the ways in which malignant narcissism replicates itself in varied forms. Finally, Wood examines the impact of narcissistic leadership and compares his theoretical position with those of other clinicians.
This book will be of interest to clinical psychologists, psychoanalysts, and psychotherapists, as well as all professionals working with narcissistic patients.
New Books in Psychoanalysis