ABSTRACT
The structural concepts of ego-psychology suggest that narcissism is a regulatory function of the feeling states of the ego. They suggest ‘an approach to narcissism and its disorders from the viewpoint of deviations from the ideal state of wellbeing’. O. F. Kernberg identifies pathological narcissism as unintegrated early rage, which causes the splitting and projection of a devalued self and object representations onto others. For a successful development, supported by attention, appreciation and basic ideals, a personality with a healthy self-love, self-respect, but also with attention and respect to others, is established. These properties characterize a healthy narcissism; they form a ‘field of gravity’ that holds the self together. Once pursued, the specific path could lead the narcissists and their environments to complex disasters, as some examples from politics and business, leadership and executive boards demonstrate. Good outcomes may develop when a competent mentor, advisor or board member manages to establish an empathic, authentic and appreciative dialogue of equals.
