narcissistic personality, a disposition characterized by behavior and attitudes that indicate an abnormal love of the self. A person with this disposition is self-centered and self-absorbed, is extremely unrealistic concerning attributes and goals, vacillates between overidealizing and devaluing others, and, in general, assumes that he or she is entitled to more than is reasonable in relationships with others. These individuals have a deep fear of abandonment and feel intense shame. Psychotherapy is the treatment of choice. See also narcissism, egoist.
