How do we understand and identify covert narcissism, especially when it's subtly woven into the fabric of our society and our relationships? This is the provocative question explored on the podcast "Hidden Killers," where host Tony Brueski engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with trauma therapist Heather Boorman. The focus was on covert narcissism and its prevalence in various characters discussed on the show, as well as its broader implications.

Boorman, who specializes in this field, shared her insights on the nature of covert narcissism and its treatability. She expressed skepticism about the possibility of genuine change in narcissists, stating, "The general consensus is no, it can't [be fixed]... Most narcissists don't think they're the problem, so they don't seek change." This presents a chilling reality: those affected by narcissists may find the best course of action is to sever contact, as true change is rare.

The conversation also delved into the origins of narcissistic traits. Is it a result of environmental factors, or is there an inherent predisposition? Boorman discussed the possibility of a combination of both, suggesting that certain upbringing conditions might 'unlock' inherent narcissistic traits. This duality of nature and nurture raises further questions about the development of such personality disorders.

Discussing the perpetuation of narcissism across generations, Boorman noted the tendency for children of narcissists to either mirror their parents' traits or become overly compassionate, becoming prime targets for other narcissists. She pointed out the roles narcissistic parents assign their children – the golden child, the neglected one, or the scapegoat – and how these roles can influence the children's future behavior and personality development.

The case of Alec Murdoch was highlighted as an example of malignant narcissism, where both inherited and learned behaviors seemed to contribute to his personality. Boorman carefully navigated the complexity of diagnosing such cases without personal interaction, emphasizing the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors.

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