Normal and Pathological Narcissism in Adolescence

While narcissistic vulnerability is a central feature of both normal and pathological development during adolescence, the author proposes criteria to differentiate between them. The specific features of the narcissistic personality disorders, as it begins to crystalize in childhood and adolescence include: reliance on an omnipotent sense of self, refusal to acknowledge shortcomings and vulnerability, projection of disowned self-experiences onto others, and demands for public affirmation of their power. Those clinical variations of narcissistic pathology—the histrionic-exhibitionistic, the ruthless-psychopathic, and the self-victimizing masochistic—are discussed. These subtypes are illustrated with clinical examples.