Narcissism. Psychogenetic, Technical Aspects and Countertransference Challenger

Abstract: The author offers an overview of the definitions of the concept of narcissism as presented by various authors. From the classic myth of Narcissus, enamored with or frightened by his own reflection, to the authors of the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, narcissism has been approached from diverse perspectives. One such perspective is that of the “lyrical generation” or the “boomer children” (François Ricard), while another is that of the “contemporary Narcissists” (Christopher Lasch). René Girard's theory is also discussed, according to which narcissism is a variation of mimicry. From clinical ethnopsychiatry, which asserts that identity is transmitted from the group to the individual, to “gender theory” and “gender dysphoria”, the dynamics of narcissism represent a process with variable mechanisms, depending on the cultural context that ensures filiation and affiliation.