Jokes, Humor: Sadistic, Cruel, Weaponized (Excerpt)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the nature of jokes and humor, emphasizing three key elements: lack of empathy, sadism, and therapeutic value. He explains that jokes often involve the absence of empathy and a sense of superiority over the subjects of the joke, leading to a form of sadism. Additionally, he suggests that jokes serve as a therapeutic outlet for socially unacceptable impulses and provide a safe space to express dark or aggressive thoughts. Vaknin views humor as a form of legitimate sadism and a social glue that creates intimacy and bonding among people.
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.
Serial Killers: Intimacy of Dead Bodies (with Melissa Rondeau, LMHC, MBA)
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the topic of serial killers. He emphasizes that there is no common motivation for serial killers and that they are not all clones of each other. He highlights the importance of relying on the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crimes in the FBI for accurate information about serial killers. Vaknin also delves into the psychological profile of serial killers, discussing their motivations, behaviors, and the prevalence of psychopathy among them. He also touches on the concept of grandiosity and its role in the mindset of serial killers. Throughout the lecture, Vaknin provides insights into the complex and disturbing world of serial killers, shedding light on their behaviors and motivations.
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.
Don’t Let Loneliness Define or Guide You! (Excerpt)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the impact of loneliness on people’s decision-making, particularly in relationships with narcissists. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs and gut instincts early on in dating, rather than denying them due to loneliness. Vaknin highlights the prevalence of loneliness in society and encourages individuals to embrace their own company and practice self-love, as no one else will do it for them.
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.
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.
Narcissism and Abuse Clarified with therapist Jose Espinosa
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses narcissistic abuse, the etiology of narcissism, and the impact of social media on narcissism. He explains that narcissistic abuse is an attempt by the narcissist to gain control over a specific target and convert them into a source of narcissistic supply within a shared fantasy. He also addresses the question of whether narcissists can suffer from narcissistic abuse and explains that narcissists start off as victims before choosing to become victimizers. Additionally, he discusses the misconceptions of narcissism and the influence of social media on narcissistic behaviors. Finally, he explains the differences between narcissistic personality disorder and narcissistic personality style and discusses the potential for change in narcissistic behaviors as individuals age.
Darkest Side of Narcissistic Abuse: Is It Intentional? (with Claire Auden)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the nature of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), its prevalence in the population, and the distinction between NPD and narcissistic traits. He explains that narcissism is underdiagnosed, especially among certain demographics like women, who now represent half of those diagnosed with NPD. Vaknin also touches on the increase in narcissistic and psychopathic behaviors in society, the role of therapy in treating narcissists, and the challenges in changing the core behaviors of individuals with NPD. He emphasizes that narcissists have a childlike mentality and that their relationships follow a cycle of idealization and devaluation, ultimately leading to discard. Vaknin suggests that narcissistic abuse is unique in its totalizing effect on victims and is driven by the narcissist’s need to reenact early childhood conflicts. He concludes that while behavioral modifications are possible in therapy, core changes in narcissists are not.