The New Science of Narcissism: Understanding One of the Greatest Psychological Challenges of Our Time-and What You Can Do About It

by W. Keith Campbell, Carolyn Crist

Overview

Cut Through the Noise Around Narcissism with the Leading Researcher in the Field

“Narcissism” is truly one of the most important words our time—ceaselessly discussed in the media, the subject of millions of online search queries, and at the centerpiece of serious social and political debates. But what does it really mean?

In The New Science of Narcissism, Dr. W Keith Campbell pulls back the curtain on this frequently misused label, presenting the most recent psychological, personality, and social research into the phenomenon.

Rather than pathologizing all behaviors associated with the label, Campbell reveals that not only does narcissism occur on a spectrum, but almost everyone exhibits narcissistic tendencies in their day-to-day behavior. Drawing from real-life incidents and case studies, The New Science of Narcissism offers tools, tips, and suggestions for softening toxically selfish behaviors both in yourself and others. Here you will discover:

· An exploration of personality disorders connected with and adjacent to narcissism
· Why minor narcissistic tendencies are common in most people
· The foundational difference between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism
· Different psychological models of personality and how they interpret narcissistic behaviors
· The “recipe” of mental and emotional traits that combine into narcissism
· How to identify when you’re in a relationship with a narcissist and what you can do about it
· Why the 21st century has seen the rise of a “Great Fantasy Migration” into evermore insular subcultures
· The connection between narcissistic tendencies and leadership
· Why “the audience in your pocket” of social media has exacerbated culture-wide narcissistic tendencies

Though narcissism looms large in our cultural consciousness, The New Science of Narcissism offers many different options for understanding and treating it. With Campbell’s straightforward and grounded guidance, you’ll not only discover the latest and best information on the condition, but also a hopeful view of its future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683644026
Publisher:	Sounds True, Incorporated
Publication date:	09/29/2020
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	214,618
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 8.80(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

W. Keith Campbell, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Georgia, as well as the author of The Narcissism Epidemic, When You Love a Man Who Loves Himself, and more than 120 peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Campbell lives in Athens, Georgia. For more, see wkeithcampbell.com.

Carolyn Crist is an independent journalist whose work has appeared in Reuters, Runner's World, and Parade, among others. For more, see carolyncrist.com.

Table of Contents

Preface: Why You Need This Book ix

Part I Defining Narcissism Today

Chapter 1 Defining Narcissism 3

Chapter 2 Measuring Narcissism 23

Chapter 3 Basic Traits and the Narcissism Recipe 45

Chapter 4 Narcissists' Goals and Motives 63

Chapter 5 Narcissistic Personality Disorder 79

Chapter 6 Narcissism's Cousins: The Four Triads 97

Part II Observing Narcissism in the World Around You

Chapter 7 Relationships and Narcissism 113

Chapter 8 Leadership and Narcissism 135

Chapter 9 Social Media and Narcissism 153

Chapter 10 Geek Culture and the Great Fantasy Migration 171

Part III Dealing with Narcissism Today and in the Future

Chapter 11 Using Narcissism Strategically 185

Chapter 12 Reducing Another's Narcissism 197

Chapter 13 Reducing Your Own Narcissism 211

Chapter 14 Psychotherapy for Narcissism 223

Chapter 15 Future Science Around Narcissism 237

Epilogue: Facing the Future with Hope 251

Quick-Start Glossary 255

Notes 257

Suggested Readings 265

About the Authors 25

Editorial Reviews

Narcissism is both widely discussed and widely misunderstood—which is why the world desperately needs a book like The New Science of Narcissism. Campbell and Crist explode the myths around narcissism and, in its place, build a solid understanding of what narcissism really is and how it displays itself across so many realms, from relationships to the workplace to social media. The New Science of Narcissism will give you what you need to better manage narcissism no matter where or how you experience it. —Jean M. Twenge, PhD, author of iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood

“This is a fascinating journey into research and theory on narcissism, from one of the world’s leading experts on the topic. Although there is plenty of science, there are also concrete and useful tips on how to work with narcissists on a practical level. Most surprising is that they also consider the beneficial sides of narcissism, with suggestions on how to work with rather than against the narcissists who are an unavoidable part of the social world.” —Kristen Neff, author of Self-Compassion

“This book provides a comprehensive, clear, and easy-to-read account of what we know and don’t know about narcissism, guided by both influential theoretical accounts as well as the increasingly large and sophisticated research literature. Keith Campbell, a leading researcher in narcissism, presents this information in a down-to-earth, funny, and easily digestible manner that makes for a fun and breezy read on this important topic.” —Joshua Miller, PhD

“This is an incredibly timely book given the prevalence of narcissism in politics, boardrooms, and social media platforms in the world today. This book arms you with the latest science to not only understand narcissism in its many forms—from the trait to the disorder—but also to apply it to your own life so that you can live your best life. This book is for everyone interested in learning more about this fascinating and often misunderstood topic.” —Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, author of Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization

“The New Science of Narcissism offers a comprehensive understanding of narcissism, a personality disorder that wreaks havoc on relationships. With historical examples, pop cultural references, and other sources that give insight into this malignant phenomenon, this fascinating and important book is also peppered with Campbell’s down-to-earth wit and humor.” —Karyl McBride, PhD, author of Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers and Will I Ever Be Free of You? How to Navigate a High-Conflict Divorce from a Narcissist and Heal Your Family

From the Publisher