Are Narcissists Lying or Delusional? | Dr Frank Yeomans
BorderlinerNotes・2 minutes read
Narcissism and lying raise questions about self-delusion versus intentional lies, as seen in cases of individuals exaggerating their achievements. Self-delusion can sometimes border on psychosis, impacting one's self-narrative and interactions with the world.
Insights
- Individuals often blur the line between self-delusion and lying when presenting false narratives about themselves, raising questions about whether they believe their fabrications or knowingly deceive others.
- Self-delusions, especially common in individuals with narcissistic traits, serve as coping mechanisms to combat feelings of inadequacy, highlighting the delicate balance required in psychotherapy to address underlying doubts and foster a healthier self-perception.
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Recent questions
What is the difference between self-delusion and lying?
Self-delusion involves individuals believing false narratives about themselves, while lying entails knowingly stating falsehoods. The distinction lies in whether the individual genuinely believes what they are saying or intentionally deceives others.
How do self-delusions impact individuals' interactions with the outside world?
Self-delusions can border on psychosis, affecting individuals' self-narrative but not necessarily their interactions with the outside world. While they may maintain false narratives internally, their interactions with others may not always reflect these delusions.
Can self-delusion be a coping mechanism for individuals with narcissistic psychopathology?
Yes, individuals with narcissistic psychopathology often engage in self-delusion as a coping mechanism to deal with feelings of worthlessness. By maintaining grandiose self-narratives, they attempt to shield themselves from underlying doubts and insecurities.
How can psychotherapy address self-delusion in individuals with narcissistic psychopathology?
In psychotherapy, addressing self-delusion in individuals with narcissistic psychopathology requires tactful handling. Therapists need to navigate the delicate balance of acknowledging and challenging these false narratives to help individuals develop a more secure and realistic self-perception.
What are some examples of self-delusion in individuals mentioned in the summary?
Examples of self-delusion in individuals include a patient claiming to have a corporate position while working as a telemarketer, another patient envisioning easily entering any industry for work, and a young woman aspiring to head a major movie studio without relevant experience. These instances highlight the blurred line between self-delusion and intentional lying.
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Summary
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Navigating Narcissism: Self-Delusion or Intentional Lies?
- Narcissism and lying are significant issues for individuals and society, with a key question being whether individuals believe what they say or knowingly lie.
- An example of a patient describing their work as a telemarketer when claiming to have a corporate position highlights the blurred line between self-delusion and lying.
- Another patient in their late 20s had grandiose ideas about effortlessly entering any industry for work, showcasing self-delusion rather than outright lies.
- A young woman envisioned becoming the head of a major movie studio without any prior relevant experience, indicating self-delusion to maintain a false narrative.
- Self-delusions in individuals can sometimes border on psychosis, affecting their self-narrative but not necessarily their interactions with the outside world.
- The case of Donald Trump's claims about the size of his inauguration crowd raises questions about self-delusion versus intentional lying for personal gain.
- In psychotherapy, individuals with narcissistic psychopathology often engage in self-delusion to cope with feelings of worthlessness, necessitating tactful handling to address underlying doubts and foster a more secure self-perception.
