An Integrated Spiritual and Psychological Growth Model in the Treatment of Narcissism

Abstract

Narcissism, called “the personality disorder of our time,” is also one of the most difficult conditions to treat. It is suggested that one of the reasons for the negative prognosis is that the condition is as much a spiritual as a psychological issue. The psychological etiology in poor object relations results in an existential anxiety regarding the issues of trust, value and purpose. These issues, as well as the formation of primary object relations, can be dealt with through the establishment of a trust relationship with a personal God, which then makes the individual accessible to psychotherapy. A Spiritual Growth Model is superimposed on Erikson's Developmental Stages and a ease study is given to illustrate its application.

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