Narcissism: The fragile self

Self-idealization coupled with the belittling of others. The reasons? They are varied. Early childhood relationship experiences in which core emotional needs—particularly the need for recognition and emotional security—were chronically unmet, as Dr. Pablo Hagemeyer describes it. If narcissistic people then gain power or seize it, the situation can become toxic, warns Dr. habil. Ramzi Fatfouta. A conversation with two experts.