Symptoms - Narcissistic Personality Disorder |
by
Mental Help Net
Staff
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
requires excessive admiration
has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Criteria summarized from:
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
My Point?
In "Christendom" there is something known as the Zebedian plea. It basically says, "there is something we want you to do for us". This is the plea James and John requested of Jesus in Mark10:35. Jesus didn't rebuke James or John for what they were asking, but he did tell them he could not grant what they wanted. In Jesus' we see how true Christians would reply to the Zebedian plea. As Christians our reply should be, "what can I do for you?"
The Zebedian plea can be associated with a narcissistic tendency. In the WTBTS members are told what they must do. Attend 5 meetings every week, spend 20 hours every month in field service, turn in your friends if you know they have sinned, etc, etc..
It seems to me that this narcissistic personality shows itself in the WTBTS, especially in how they are dealing with the current child abuse cases. If they can't shut you up, they kick you out.
As I look at each symtom of a narcissistic personality I see a lot of JW's and elders I know. How about you?