The Christian Psychologist: Mental Health for 21st Century Christ Followers

Episode 30: Narcissism

Episode Summary

In this 30th episode, Dr. Knabb discusses a topic that is a growing concern in contemporary Western society: narcissism. Specifically, he explores a secular clinical psychology view of the topic, before turning to what the Bible says about its equivalent, pride. He concludes the episode by guiding listeners through a short practice to learn to pivot from self-absorbed narcissism and pride to selfless, agape love, with the aim of helping 21st century Christ followers to cultivate mental and spiritual health.

Episode Notes

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Narcissism. https://dictionary.apa.org/narcissism

Bangley, B. (Ed.). (2006). The cloud of unknowing: Contemporary English edition. Paraclete Press.

Casale, S. (2022). Psychological distress profiles of young adults with vulnerable narcissism traits. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 201, 426-431.

Hewitt, J., & Kealy, D. (2022). Pathological narcissism and psychological distress: The mediating effects of vitality, initiative, and mindfulness. Personality and Individual Differences, 184, 111185.

Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Pride. Holman Publishing Group.

Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Love. Holman Publishing Group.

Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.

Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Wang, K., & Bates, T. (2018). ‘Unknowing’ in the 21st century: Humble detachment for Christians with repetitive negative thinking. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 5, 170-187.

Twenge, J. (2010). The narcissism epidemic: Living in the age of entitlement. Atria.

Twenge, J. M., & Foster, J. D. (2010). Birth cohort increases in narcissistic personality traits among American college students, 1982–2009. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 1(1), 99–106.

Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Love. Upper Room Books.