Understanding Narcissism: From Freud to Contemporary Research. (Essay Sample)

Understanding Narcissism: From Freud to Contemporary Research
Student's Name
Department, Institutional Affiliation
Course Code, Name & Number
Professors Name
Date 
Understanding Narcissism: From Freud to Contemporary Research
The term "narcissism" was coined by Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, to characterize an excessive preoccupation with oneself. According to Freud, narcissism defines one's sense of self-worth and self-esteem and is a natural component of healthy human growth. However, he recognized that an unhealthy preoccupation with oneself may often lead to developing narcissistic personality disorders, among other psychological issues. In this context, Freud's definition of narcissism sheds light on the intricate relationship between psychological health, self-obsession, and self-esteem.
First, Narcissism identifies with ego, which relates to childhood and the striving for happiness. According to Freud (2014), he believed that people go through a stage of primary narcissism in early childhood, when they have a considerable preoccupation with themselves and their bodies. While everyone has some self-esteem and self-love, those with narcissistic characteristics have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and frequently seek validation and admiration from others. This is where the narcissistic theory's roots may be located. That explains how humans distinguish themselves from others based on their self-identity and ego. Moreover, ego highly relates to how we view ourselves in society and also our self-image. Therefore, ego also plays a huge role in forming a solid sense of self-identity, an essential element of mental health. However, when the ego