Narcissism and Character Transformation: The Psychology of Narcissistic Character Disorders (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts) [Paperback]

Nathan Schwartz-Salant (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Inner City Books (January 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0919123082
• ISBN-13: 978-0919123083
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #450,003 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The reality of Echo and Narcissus today, November 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Narcissism and Character Transformation: The Psychology of Narcissistic Character Disorders (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts) (Paperback)

The most surprising fact about the myth of Narcissus as the Greeks told it is that it is not about a mythical man who could not recognize his own reflection. It is about a severe psychological blindness that accounts for many problems that prevent communication between individuals. The Narcissus relates to a 'reflection', his own reflection and by this I mean his inner perception which seems to be an other, not his own reflection. Thought is a reflection. The Roman version added a lonely female counterpart who mourned the loss of male companionship as she repeated the last words of what she heard Narcissus say. Modern individuals may not recognize the 'resonation' within that causes him or her to respond: "Tell me about it!" when their inner 'reflection' is discerned. This is a dreadful condition, and its one that causes many, many relationships to crumble. When Mr. Schwartz writes that the narcissist has a poor sense of history, it would be more meaningful to realize that the narcissist seems to forget very many details of every day life. It can cause immense confusion if one speaks about something that was said or done that the narcissist doesn't remember, because (s)he is almost certain to say something like "you are imagining things, I wouldn't do that. I'm not that sort of person." The book is very readable and thought provoking. Anyone can learn something about how 'projecting' one's 'reflection' or one's 'shadow' without recognizing it occurs. I'm not sure the word 'shadow' is what is rejected, this is a factor of inner perception, a mechanism of 'insight' that is quite difficult to identify. Goethe mentioned that he saw 'not with the eyes of the body, but the eye of the soul'. The fact that what is 'inside' one's own head can seem to be 'out there', outside of one's body is a strange fact to have to deal with, but this book can provide information that is useful. I have worn out my first copy.

40 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Narcissistic Need and Entitlement Deprivation, July 2, 2001

By 

Douglas Wayne (Wise, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Narcissism and Character Transformation: The Psychology of Narcissistic Character Disorders (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts) (Paperback)

My first reading of this book was not very good; however, wondering why I felt this way, I immediately went back to review the contents of this book.

Realistically and honestly considered, I was not prepared for what I was reading; and then, "IT" dawned on me...I was reading about my own family experience...which means I was reading about myself and my own psychology of being.

This Jungian-styled book turned out to be an excellent introductory book for me, and will be remembered by me as the pivotal work that led me into the field of Heinz Kohut's work on Narcissism and Self Psychology...a field I was completely unaware of personally.

34 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A tough-chewed piece, June 24, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Narcissism and Character Transformation: The Psychology of Narcissistic Character Disorders (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts) (Paperback)

The concept of "narcissism" is overloaded with interpretations and Schwartz-Salant concedes this. However, he doesn't clarify the concept much. After having read the book, the concept is still confusing and it carries a multitude of meanings. The book is nevertheless valuable because its many diverging strands of information are thought-provoking. Schwartz-Salant tries a combined Jungian and psychoanalytical point of view (especially Kohut's). This also adds to its cerebral arduousness. Much room is made for different interpretations and misinterpretations of the myth, and this is the books greatest merit. As it concentrates on myth, fairy-tale and dreams, its theoretical pretentiousness is balanced by earthbound products of the psyche. However, the overall impression is of a theoretical growth that has run wild. Schwartz-Salant fails in making a clear-cut presentation of the problem and, to my mind, certain of the conceptions are rather far-fetched. But for therapists and theorists it is a good reference with several fresh suggestions. But if you are a layman traumatized by a narcissist and wants to get some know-how, then this isn't the clearest exposition. This book can hardly be understood without a grounding in analytical psychology. It can be recommended to readers with a keen theoretical interest in the subject. /Mats W