Alfred Adler's significance for the concept of narcissism is presented
with reference to four aspects: 1) Adler's theory of masculine protest was
evidently a factor influencing Freud to turn toward the phenomenon of
narcissism. 2) Present-day understanding of narcissism shows remarkable
similarity to Adler's views on psychodynamics and neurotic egocentricity.
3) Some contemporary criticisms of Freud's theory of narcissism are very
similar to Adler's criticism. 4) Adler's theory of social interest permits
subsumption of narcissism under lack of social interest rather than
acceptance of it as an expression of innate socially negative
tendencies.Abstract Teaser