The narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a lack of self-confidence and rejection of one's self inwards, alternating with an exaggerated and extremely pronounced self-confidence outwards.
Hence, such a person is always striving for admiration and acknowledgement, while giving little real attention to other people. She/he has an exaggerated sense of importance, hopes to attain and to earn special status. She/he exhibits exploitative attitudes and a lack of empathy. Delusional disorders with concepts of grandness are within the spectrum of possibilities. Moreover, the afflicted shows a striking sensitivity towards criticism, which often is projected globally, stirring feelings of rage, shame, and humiliation.
The term "personality disorder" by itself is hazy and subject to controversy. It is not just a standardized, empirically validated theory that is missing but likewise a sound therapy for the effective treatment. Furthermore, clients with personality disorders are considered as therapeutically little accessible and difficult on an interaction level.
Prof. Rainer Sachse, psychology professor at the University of Bochum and founder of the "Klärungsorientierte Psychotherapie" (clarification-oriented psychotherapy) and of the dual action regulation model, does not talk about personality disorders anymore, but instead of relationship and interaction disorders.
Herewith the therapist takes on an equally important role, as does the client.
Moreover, he assumes that the forms of relationship, which taken to the extreme lead to the so-called personality disorders, are universal behavior in their milder expression (Sachse, 2006).
For a better understanding of the subject, the present work first discusses the theory of clients with narcissistic personality disorder and subsequently elaborates on the possibilities for intervention. In the light of the model of dual action regulation, central motives, schemata, and strategies of action are pointed out, that are displayed by clients with narcissistic PD. Therapeutic strategies like complementary structuring of relationships, confrontation, schema modifications are being deduced.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Basic concepts
- The model of dual action regulation
- Therapeutic interventions
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to explore the behavioral therapy of narcissistic personality disorder through the lens of the dual action regulation model. It examines the theoretical underpinnings of this approach and outlines practical therapeutic interventions.
- The nature of narcissistic personality disorder and its challenges to traditional therapy.
- The dual action regulation model as a framework for understanding and treating narcissistic personality disorder.
- Specific therapeutic strategies for working with clients exhibiting narcissistic traits.
- The importance of therapist-client interaction and the role of the therapist in this model.
- Addressing the client's underlying motives and interactional needs.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter introduces narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), characterizing it by fluctuating self-perception (low self-confidence internally, exaggerated externally) and a need for admiration. It highlights the lack of standardized therapy and the difficulty in treating individuals with NPD, suggesting a shift from viewing it as a personality disorder to a relationship and interaction disorder. The chapter sets the stage for understanding NPD within the context of the dual action regulation model and explains the text's approach of discussing the theory of NPD followed by therapeutic interventions.
Basic concepts: This section delves into the therapeutic challenges posed by individuals with NPD. It explains that these individuals often unconsciously recreate their relational problems within the therapeutic setting, subtly involving the therapist in reenactments of past patterns. The chapter discusses how negative experiences in early socialization can lead to the development of maladaptive beliefs and behaviors, often making the NPD initially overlooked, as clients usually present with other issues. The focus is on the client's lack of motivation for change regarding their interactional problems and their tendency to try and functionalize the therapist, leading to potential therapeutic stalemates.
The model of dual action regulation: This chapter introduces Sachse's dual action regulation model, rooted in cognitive theory and goal-oriented psychotherapy. It's presented as a generalized model adaptable to various personality disorders, facilitating both diagnosis and therapy. The model emphasizes that clients with NPD interact to fulfill underlying needs (motive level) while simultaneously masking these needs (action level). The model supports theory-guided therapy and aims to help therapists understand the client's behavior as psychologically understandable, yet ultimately self-defeating. It emphasizes that while the client's constructs might be ego-syntonic, they still negatively affect them.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Dual Action Regulation Model, Behavioral Therapy, Relationship Disorders, Interaction Disorders, Therapeutic Interventions, Schema Modification, Confrontation, Clarification-Oriented Psychotherapy, Ego-Syntonic, Maladaptive Beliefs.
FAQ: Behavioral Therapy of Narcissistic Personality Disorder through the Dual Action Regulation Model
What is the main focus of this text?
This text explores the behavioral therapy of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) using the dual action regulation model. It examines the theoretical underpinnings of this approach and outlines practical therapeutic interventions.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the nature of NPD and its challenges to traditional therapy; the dual action regulation model as a framework for understanding and treating NPD; specific therapeutic strategies for working with clients exhibiting narcissistic traits; the importance of therapist-client interaction; and addressing the client's underlying motives and interactional needs.
What is the dual action regulation model?
The dual action regulation model, rooted in cognitive theory and goal-oriented psychotherapy, is a generalized model adaptable to various personality disorders. It emphasizes that clients with NPD interact to fulfill underlying needs (motive level) while simultaneously masking these needs (action level). It helps therapists understand the client's behavior as psychologically understandable, yet ultimately self-defeating.
What are the challenges in treating NPD?
Individuals with NPD often unconsciously recreate their relational problems in therapy, subtly involving the therapist in reenactments of past patterns. Negative experiences in early socialization can lead to maladaptive beliefs and behaviors, often making the NPD initially overlooked. Clients usually present with other issues, and lack motivation for change regarding their interactional problems, potentially leading to therapeutic stalemates.
What are some therapeutic interventions discussed?
While not explicitly detailed, the text implies that therapeutic interventions would be informed by the dual action regulation model, focusing on understanding and addressing both the client's underlying motives (motive level) and their surface-level behaviors (action level). This might involve schema modification, confrontation, and clarification-oriented psychotherapy.
How does the text describe Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?
NPD is characterized by fluctuating self-perception (low self-confidence internally, exaggerated externally) and a need for admiration. The text suggests shifting from viewing it as solely a personality disorder to considering it a relationship and interaction disorder.
What are the key chapters covered?
The text includes an introduction, a chapter on basic concepts, a chapter on the dual action regulation model, and a chapter on therapeutic interventions. Each chapter provides a summary of its content.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Dual Action Regulation Model, Behavioral Therapy, Relationship Disorders, Interaction Disorders, Therapeutic Interventions, Schema Modification, Confrontation, Clarification-Oriented Psychotherapy, Ego-Syntonic, and Maladaptive Beliefs.
- Quote paper
- Pamina Russek (Author), 2011, Behavioral Therapy of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/279727
