A Theoretical and technical approach to narcissistic disturbance
Kinston, W.
International Journal of Psycho-Analysis 61(3): 383-394
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7578 PMID: 7440078 Document Number: 157766
This paper makes a limited contribution to the theoretical problem of narcissism and offers a possibly useful technical approach. Terminology is clarified and 2 concepts are introduced: self-narcissism and object-narcissism. Detailed clinical material illustrates the presence of an unwished-for self-image acting as a resistance. Interpretation leading to integration of the self-image into the self-representation results in an increase in authenticity on which conventional interpretative activity depends. Objections and alternative views of the material are briefly discussed.