Psychodynamic Model

Psychodynamic Model of a Narcissistic Personality

Prerequisite

Before studying the psychodynamic model of the narcissistic personality, it is helpful to understand the psychodynamic model of the healthy personality. This is necessary in order to properly contextualise the narcissistic model.

The Ego Model

The psychodynamic model shows the structures and energy flows within the narcissistic personality.

Legend for the Ego

Symbol	Meaning
A	Defence mechanisms of the Ego
B1	Forces/energies pressing on the Ego from Pillars I and II of the Superego
B2	Forces/energies pressing on the Ego from Pillar III of the Superego
C	Defence energies that the Ego draws upon for its defence mechanisms
A+C	Defence action
D	Rigid connection with inversive joint (G) to the Self
E1, E2	Id impulses, drive energies
G	Inversive joint (inversive = reversal)
SB	Self-observation, introspection
S	Comparison of social self with Self and vice versa
SE	Self-regulatory processes
SF	Transition of external image into the social self
SR	Self-regulation
SS	Influence of the social self on self-esteem
IS	Ego discrepancy, self-actualisation, narcissistic balance
VI	Comparison of Ego Ideal / Ideal Self versus Ideal Ego / Ideal Objects

The Superego Model

Legend for the Superego

Symbol	Meaning
VI	Comparison of Ego Ideal / Ideal Self versus Ideal Ego / Ideal Objects
U	Primal imprints, primal influences from the parental imago
B1, B1	Total force/energy pressing on the Ego from Pillars I and II of the Superego
B2	Total force/energy pressing on the Ego from Pillar III of the Superego

Distinctive Features in Narcissism

Compared to the healthy personality, the narcissistic model shows characteristic differences:

The Grandiose Self

In the narcissistic personality, the grandiose self is strongly pronounced. It arises through:

• Fusion of Ego Ideal and Ideal Ego
• Pathological integration of grandiose self-aspects
• Splitting off of inferior self-aspects

The Rigid Connection (D)

The connection to the Self is rigid in narcissists (labelled “D” in the model), not flexible as in healthy personalities. The inversive joint (G) allows only reversal, not genuine adaptation.

Defence Mechanisms

The narcissistic personality uses primitive defence mechanisms:

• Splitting: Separation into “good” and “bad”
• Projection: Own unwanted aspects are transferred onto others
• Idealisation and devaluation: Extreme evaluations of objects
• Denial: Non-perception of threatening reality

The Influence of the Id

The Id impulses (E1, E2) exert particular pressure in the narcissist:

• Drive tension seeks discharge through grandiose fantasies
• Libido is primarily directed toward the Self
• Aggression is projected onto devalued objects

The Superego in Narcissism

The Superego in narcissistic personalities is often:

• Poorly integrated
• Shaped by archaic parental imagos (U)
• More punitive than guiding

The energy (B1, B2) that the Superego directs at the Ego leads to:

• Chronic feelings of shame and inferiority (behind the grandiose facade)
• Constant seeking of narcissistic supply from outside

The Narcissistic Balance

The narcissistic balance (IS) is chronically unstable in this disorder:

Vulnerability

Every slight, every withheld admiration can disturb the fragile balance and lead to:

• Narcissistic rage
• Depression
• Intensified defence

Difference from the Borderline Structure

In contrast to the Borderline personality:

Aspect	Narcissism	Borderline
Ego boundaries	Preserved	Diffuse, blurred
Grandiose self	Integrated (pathologically)	Not present
Impulse control	Better	Severely impaired
Identity	Stable (grandiose form)	Identity diffusion

Therapeutic Implications

Understanding the psychodynamic model helps to understand:

1. Why narcissists react so sensitively to criticism
2. Why they constantly need admiration
3. Why relationships are so difficult
4. Why therapy is so challenging

See Also

• In-depth analysis according to Kernberg and Kohut – Theoretical concepts
• Narcissism Overview – Back to the main page