The Destructive Narcissistic Pattern (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The label destructive narcissist was developed as a description for someone who consistently exhibits numerous and intense characteristicsusually associated with the pathological narcissist as described..." (more)
Key Phrases: destructive narcissist, cognitive deflection, exhibitionistic narcissist (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Writing for both mental health professionals and those outside the field who want to better understand destructive narcissism, Brown focuses on developing awareness of destructive narcissism. She provides techniques that help lessen the impact of others' destructive narcissism and examines behavioral manifestations and processes for effecting changes in one's own behavior.

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.com Sales Rank: #685,226 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	hockeymom (Maryland Heights, MO) - See all my reviews

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.

23 of 27 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

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.

40 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Sam Vaknin "author of Malignant Self Love - N... (Skopje, Macedonia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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'.