Narcissist’s Extrinsic Values How You Adopt The Fantasy Ratchet
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of values, which are a confluence between how we view ourselves and the world ideally and how we think the world should conduct its affairs. Values are shaped by socialization and acculturation and can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Narcissists possess extrinsic values, which are associated with lower empathy and a focus on power and status. Societies with extrinsic values tend to be unequal and lack solidarity. The elites in such societies use fear, new frames of thought, and the values ratchet to manipulate the population. In individual situations, narcissists induce fear, redefine reality, and normalize the abnormal to control others. Values in the hands of narcissists are powerful instruments that reshape individuals and perpetuate fantasy as a substitute for reality.
Narcissist Not Thinking Straight: Cognitive Disorders (Distortion, Bias, Deficit)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses cognitive deficits, biases, and distortions, and their impact on thinking processes. He explains that cognition is not just about thinking, but also about knowledge and understanding the world. He delves into the ways in which cognition can go awry, leading to attribution errors, fantasy, and reality distortion, particularly in individuals with personality disorders like narcissism. He also explores various theories related to cognitive dissonance, self-affirmation, and emotional arousal, and how they contribute to the cognitive and emotional experiences of individuals with pathological narcissism.
Narcissism, Lonely Codependent “Love”, Victimhood: Unholy Trinity (Mexico City Q&A)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses self-splitting, a defense mechanism where individuals perceive themselves as either all good or all bad. Addicts typically perceive themselves as all bad and use addiction to transition from a negative self-image to a positive one. Codependency is a personality disorder where individuals depend on their partner to regulate their internal world and manipulate their partner through helplessness. In dealing with a narcissistic parent, the non-narcissistic parent can only provide the child with an alternative model and cannot protect the child from the narcissistic parent. Malignant love involves trying to merge with the partner and losing individuality, while healthy love involves maintaining boundaries and individual lives. Good addiction promotes well-being and growth, while bad addiction reduces anxiety and is grounded in fantasy. Social media does not enhance narcissism but may amplify psychopathy and negative emotions. Solitude is not a sickness, but loneliness can lead to mental health issues and is encouraged by society and technology.
Is Dan Guilty of Murder? Identity and Memory (Film Review: Shattered)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of self-identity and its relation to memory and responsibility using the movie “Shattered” as an example. He explores the idea that memory is necessary but not sufficient for possessing a self-identity, and delves into the implications of memory loss on criminal responsibility. Vaknin raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of self-identity and its connection to memory, ultimately arguing that without a continuous personal history, one’s self-identity is compromised, and therefore, they cannot be held responsible for actions they do not remember committing.
Addiction: Everything We Know Is Wrong! (EXCERPT with Conor Ryan, Eyes Wide Open Podcast)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses addiction, arguing that rehab centers are ineffective and that addiction is a choice influenced by the environment. He suggests that addiction may have positive aspects and that society encourages addiction through consumerism and other incentives. Vaknin also addresses the impact of pornography on society and the potential challenges of banning it. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive sex education as a potential solution.
Narcissism “Conspiracy”: Historical Roots of Contemporary Narcissism Pandemic
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the three historical movements that have shaped modern society: the Renaissance, Protestantism, and the Enlightenment. He explains how these movements have led to the rise of pathological narcissism and its impact on society. Vaknin argues that these ideologies have created a culture of individualism, victimhood, and unrealistic expectations, leading to the current state of social and political turmoil. He suggests that in order to address these issues, there needs to be a substantial reform of social structures and institutions to move away from the values of the past and towards a more grounded and realistic approach.
NPD CANCELLED in ICD-11: Narcissism=Dissociality+Anankastia+Negative Affectivity (Starts 07:54)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the differences between the DSM and the ICD diagnostic manuals, focusing on the diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. He explains that the ICD takes a more flexible and organic approach to diagnosing personality disorders, using trait domains and severity levels to capture the essence of narcissism without using the specific term “narcissistic personality disorder.” Vaknin also delves into the clinical manifestations and origins of narcissism, as well as the debate surrounding covert versus overt narcissism and the potential removal of narcissistic personality disorder from future editions of the DSM.
Psychopath Hopeful Breakthroughs: Oxytocin, Schema Therapy, Reciprocal Altruism (Literature Review)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the hopeful findings from recent studies on antisocial personality disorder, including psychopathy. He expresses discomfort with the hopeful nature of the studies, as his work typically focuses on bleak and hopeless topics. He explains that psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder are not recognized clinical terms and shares his views on their classification as mental illnesses. He also discusses the latest breakthroughs in understanding and treating these disorders, including the potential benefits of inter-nasal oxytocin and the importance of early intervention. Additionally, he explores the use of reciprocal altruism theory in therapy and the effectiveness of schema therapy for violent offenders with antisocial personality disorder. Throughout the lecture, he expresses skepticism and discomfort with the idea of hope for treating these disorders.
From Lovebombing to Conflict (TalkTV Interviews with Trisha Goddard)
Professor Sam Vaknin, a leading authority on narcissism, discusses the concept of love bombing and its role in coercive control. He explains that love bombing involves excessive affection and attention with the intent to manipulate someone into a desired behavior. He also highlights the importance of recognizing love bombing as a warning sign and its potential presence in various relationships, including workplace dynamics. Additionally, he emphasizes the need to expand the definition of love bombing and its association with coercive control. Furthermore, he delves into the psychological aspects of war, describing it as a narcissistic activity that involves dehumanizing and demonizing the enemy. Throughout the conversation, Vaknin provides valuable insights into these complex and often misunderstood phenomena.
Signs of SWITCHING in Narcissists and Borderlines (Read PINNED comment)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the phenomenon of switching in dissociative identity disorder, borderline personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. He explains that switching is a common regulatory mechanism in these disorders and is triggered by stress, anxiety, and environmental cues. Vaknin describes the signs of switching, including emotional dysregulation, changes in body posture, and dramatic shifts in identity and behavior. He also emphasizes the impact of switching on relationships and the need for partners to adapt to the changing identities of individuals with these disorders.