Narcissism and Sexuality
A Self Inflicted Wound
Description:... Everyone, by virtue of possessing a psychology and being a child, embodies narcissistic tendencies. Not everyone, however, is narcissistically wounded. A narcissistic wound can manifest in many expressions from personality dysfunctions to rage. This book differentiates between a severe narcissistic disorder and a narcissistic wound, focusing on one common expression -- sexuality. The psychological foundation throughout the book is analytic psychology, or the psychology developed by Carl Jung. Narcissistic sexual expressions are portrayed in sexual experiences, myths, fairy tales, legends and the practicalities of personal relationships. Fairy tales, such as Snow White, myths, such as the Narcissus myth, and legends, such as Don Juan, serve to amplify the theory and experiential descriptions. The images assist the reader in reaching a deeper understanding of the theme. The primary psychological concepts presented include: Self, False-Self, narcissistic wound, origin of the wound, inability to relate to another person, sexual interludes to satisfy the narcissistic wound, anima (a psychological source similar to the Chinese Yin) and Eros (a psychological function of relationship) with respect to personal relationships and correspondences between transient sexual experiences and the Self. Two-thirds of the book presents a Jungian analysis, addressing the narcissistic wound. Fifty-seven dreams and interpretations illuminate the analytic process. This material provides an in-depth perspective of a seldom understood and shared process. I believe the content of the book is timely for many reasons. Western societies, particularly the U.S., display increasing narcissistic behaviors and expressions. Presenting narcissism from one particular expression - sexuality -- can enhance collective awareness of this issue. A Jungian approach offers considerable insight and a fresh understanding, extending from the images, myths, experiences and legends, rather than just an intellectual description.
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