You never narc alone! A transpersonal model of personality and personality pathology,exemplified in the case of narcissism

Abstract

Recent advances in the field of personality pathology have increasingly emphasized the relational and interpersonal dimensions of personality disorders. However, these frameworks often fall short in capturing broader, systemic dynamics that transcend the individual level. Taking the case of narcissism as a prototypical example, we argue that personality pathology should not be understood solely as an interpersonal phenomenon but also as a transpersonal one. We propose a new conceptual model which assumes that personality traits can be conceived of as scripts which may operate at the level of individuals, dyads, groups, and/or larger social entities. The transpersonal view is fully compatible with trait and interpersonal models, but, beyond that, it provides a framework for understanding variation, regulatory dynamics, and changing phenomena at larger levels. This expanded framework offers a novel lens for understanding the embedding and co-constitution of personality pathology—specifically narcissistic pathology—beyond the individual. Our approach foregrounds the clinical insight that any individual pathology must also be addressed in terms of its social-pathological conditions. Thus, we advocate for a diagnostic and therapeutic model that integrates the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and sociocultural aspects of personality pathology.