The Destructive Narcissistic Pattern [Hardcover]

Nina W. Brown (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 027596017X | ISBN-13: 978-0275960179 | Publication Date: August 30, 1998

The destructive narcissistic pattern (DNP) is a term used to describe a constellation of characteristics generally associated with pathological narcissism, but which are fewer and less severe. Nonetheless, these characteristics negatively impact relationships. The destructive narcisist's typical interaction produces negative reactions in others. For example, the individual devalues others, lacks empathy, has a sense of entitlement, and is emotionally shallow. He may function very well and be successful economically, but is unable to form and maintain stable relationships, as evidenced by numerous partners or marriages. The DNP, Brown asserts, is often unrecognized. Although others may find him frustrating and difficult, the individual with DNP can be charming when charm is perceived to be to his benefit. In addition to identifying destructive narcissism, Brown provides strategies to help the reader moderate or eliminate the impact of these destructive narcissistic behaviors, feelings, and attitudes. Attention is given to understanding projection, projective identification, and identification as well as how those processes trigger reactions. This book will be an important tool for counselors, psychologists, clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals, and students in these fields.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

NINA W. BROWN is Professor of Counseling, Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling, Old Dominion University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (August 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 027596017X
• ISBN-13: 978-0275960179
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,619,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Destructive Narcissistic Pattern changed my life!, January 19, 2002

By 

churchwriter "Terry" (Williamsburg, VA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Destructive Narcissistic Pattern (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book which thoroughly addresses the signs of symptoms of the narcissistic personality. For years I used to think, "If I could only find the right words,I could explain to my husband how much his behavior is hurting me and others." Professor Brown has a deep understanding of what the experience is like for a family member. She not only addresses the behavior of the person with narcissistic behavior, but the thoughts, feelings and experience of loved ones. She gives guidelines and coping strategies to establish clear boundaries.

45 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Partial Narcissists, August 11, 2001

By 

Sam Vaknin (Skopje, Macedonia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Destructive Narcissistic Pattern (Hardcover)

Pathological narcissism is a spectrum - from narcissistic traits and narcissistic transient reactions to the full blown narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Brown explores the grey area between NPD and narcissistic self-destructiveness and other-destruction. We can group these behaviors according to their underlying motivation. The Self-Punishing, Guilt-Purging Behaviours - these are intended to inflict punishment and to provide the punished party with a feeling of instant relief. The Extracting Behaviours - people with Personality Disorders (PDs) are very afraid of real, mature, intimacy. PDs interpret intimacy (not DEPENDENCE, but intimacy) as strangulation, the snuffing of freedom, death in installments. They are terrorized by it. The self-destructive and self-defeating acts are intended to dismantle the very foundation of a successful relationship, a career, a project, or a friendship. The Default Behaviours - self-defeating behaviors are intended to preserve the past, to restore it, to protect it from the winds of change, to inertially avoid opportunities. All these behaviour patterns are described here and linked psychodynamically to pathological narcissism. Sam Vaknin, author of 'Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited'.

26 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Have you ever lived with one?, January 31, 2004

By 

Kimberly J. Brasher (OK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Destructive Narcissistic Pattern (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed this book. The writing is quite informative for those receiving their first introduction to this personality type. I'm a divorce attorney and have seen, and continue to see, a record number of divorces due to this personality type. Narcissists make very poor partners and the relationship becomes toxic. Those in relationships with narcissists are continually told that they are the ones causing the problem. Due to my extensive experience with these relationships I wrote a book for my clients about the toxic/narcissistic personality type and I use my divorce cases to illustrate the toxic behaviors. The book is called "Toxic Relationships, How to Regain Lost Power in Your Relationship". Those who have read this book may also be interested to read about toxic/narcissistic relationships, how to live in them, and improve them.