Secondary Narcissism
« Back to Glossary IndexSecondary narcissism, in Freudian theory, is a temporary psychological state of distress (real or perceived), resulting from serious ego-injury (trauma or abuse). As a defense strategy to contend with pain, disappointment, harsh criticism, rejection, or envy (unconscious or conscious), individuals withdraw from social interactions and relationships, becoming isolated, detached, and self-preoccupied (in Freud’s concept, libido reverts to self). In contrast to primary narcissism (an infant’s natural, inherent self-love and self-absorption), secondary narcissism develops after the child can form attachments to external objects (people, places, things). While not always outwardly grandiose, individuals may retreat into grandiosity, fantasies of superiority, or craving for attention to cope with feeling inadequate. In extreme cases, secondary narcissism can be associated with grandiose delusions (like schizophrenia) and megalomania (inflated self-importance), but can also be a precursor to growth and recovery. Reasons secondary narcissism’s a temporary state:
- Reactive, not entrenched, in response to a specific event, rather than entrenched in personality, making it more malleable and circumstance-dependent.
- Escape from overwhelming reality, because the world is too painful to bear, and withdrawal opens the door to a self-protective fantasy realm.
- Self-soothing mechanism in grandiose fantasies and self-focus, after a major blow to self-worth.
- Growing awareness of contrast between fantasy and reality, which becomes unbearable and creates a need for change.
- Hope for developing a true self, after the false self collapses, creating opportunity to develop a more authentic and vibrant “true self.”
- Potential for a better prognosis, because a temporary state is more responsive to treatment than permanent, ingrained narcissism
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