Am J Psychiatry 1985; 142:203-207
Copyright © 1985 by American Psychiatric Association
The significance of Alfred Adler for the concept of narcissism
HL Ansbacher
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.
