Rethinking Narcissism: The Secret to Recognizing and Coping with Narcissists - Softcover

Malkin, Craig

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0062348116 ISBN 13: 9780062348111

Publisher: Harper Perennial, 2016

Synopsis

When most of us hear the word narcissism or narcissist, we envision vain, preening, braggarts who can't stop talking about themselves. But most of the time, we've got it wrong; many narcissists aren't driven by looks, fame, or money--some may even be shy or soft spoken. The startling truth is we've been distracted by an empty stereotype that blinds us to far more reliable signs of danger--and an entire generation is suffering because of it.

In Rethinking Narcissism Harvard Medical School psychologist Craig Malkin addresses the "narcissism epidemic" by illuminating the spectrum of narcissism, identifying ways to control the trait, and explaining how too little of it may be a bad thing. Readers will learn that there's far more to narcissism than its reductive invective would imply. The reality is that we all fall somewhere between utter selflessness and grandiosity. A healthy middle--a healthy degree of narcissism--is essential for a strong sense of self. Malkin deconstructs our misconceptions of narcissism and offers clear, step-by-step guidance on how to protect ourselves and how to promote healthy narcissism in our partners, our children, and ourselves.

About this title

Review

"This is a true gem on the subject of narcissism."--Library Journal

"A gripping and sometimes terrifying book that will make you look anew at your spouse, your parents, your children, your friends, your enemies, your fellow workers and - perhaps most pertinently - your reflection in the mirror."--The Daily Mail (UK), "Book of the Week"

"Dr. Craig Malkin offers a surprising, accessible analyis of narcissism--and explains why a healthy dash of narcissism can be a good thing."--Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of Better Than Before and The Happiness Project

"In Rethinking Narcissism, Dr. Malkin reveals the surprising good news about narcissism, exploring the complexities of narcissistic traits and deflating popular myths. Most importantly, he shows us how to develop a healthy sense of narcissism and how to manage relationships with narcissistic partners, friends, colleagues, and family."--Dr. Drew Pinsky, author of The Mirror Effect

"Certainly one of the best books I've read this year. Don't be fooled by the title.. this book is for anyone trying to better understand themselves and other people."--Todd Kashdan, PhD, author of The Upside of Your Dark Side

"[A] fascinating book."--The Independent

"Among all the books that have been published on the topic in the past 10 years, Rethinking Narcissism: The Bad - and Surprising Good - About Feeling Special stands out as a definite must-read."--Psych Central

"Thank you, Dr. Malkin, for saying what needed to be said and clearing things up for me. For all of us."--BookTrib

"If you're to buy just one book on narcissism, this is the one to purchase."--Leon Seltzer, author of Paradoxical Strategies in Psychotherapy

"Malkin, a therapist and psychology instructor at Harvard Medical School, takes a more inspirational attitude..."--New York Times Book Review

From the Back Cover

Harvard Medical School psychologist and Huffington Post blogger Craig Malkin addresses the "narcissism epidemic," by illuminating the spectrum of narcissism, identifying ways to control the trait, and explaining how too little of it may be a bad thing.

"What is narcissism?" is one of the fastest rising searches on Google, and articles on the topic routinely go viral. Yet, the word "narcissist" seems to mean something different every time it's uttered. People hurl the word as insult at anyone who offends them. It's become so ubiquitous, in fact, that it's lost any clear meaning. The only certainty these days is that it's bad to be a narcissist--really bad--inspiring the same kind of roiling queasiness we feel when we hear the words sexist or racist. That's especially troubling news for millennials, the people born after 1980, who've been branded the "most narcissistic generation ever."

In Rethinking Narcissism readers will learn that there's far more to narcissism than its reductive invective would imply. The truth is that we all fall on a spectrum somewhere between utter selflessness on the one side, and arrogance and grandiosity on the other. A healthy middle exhibits a strong sense of self. On the far end lies sociopathy. Malkin deconstructs healthy from unhealthy narcissism and offers clear, step-by-step guidance on how to promote healthy narcissism in our partners, our children, and ourselves.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0062348116
• ISBN 13: 9780062348111
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256