Carl Jung never used the modern psychiatric term narcissistic personality disorder, but he had a lot to say about narcissism as a psychological pattern. His perspective was rooted in the dynamics of the ego, the self, and individuation.

Jung described narcissism as a state where the ego becomes inflated and identifies itself as the “whole self.”

Instead of serving as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious, the ego tries to dominate.

This creates imbalance, self-centeredness, and disconnection from the deeper Self.

He said that when the ego refuses to acknowledge its limitations, it falls into a “god-complex,” believing it alone controls reality—this is a classic narcissistic pattern.

Jung explained that narcissistic tendencies often come from repressed wounds in the shadow.

Someone who can’t face feelings of inferiority, vulnerability, or shame may project a mask of superiority or perfection.

This aligns with his idea of the Persona (the social mask) which, if over-identified with, leads to shallow, inauthentic relationships.

For Jung, the path to healing narcissism is individuation—integrating the unconscious and reconnecting with the larger Self (not just the ego).

A narcissistic person resists this process because it requires humility, shadow work, and opening to the collective unconscious.

Jung would see chronic narcissism as a spiritual crisis—a refusal of growth and wholeness.

Jung also pointed to myth and archetype: Narcissus, the figure from Greek mythology, reflects the danger of being trapped by self-image.

The myth shows the psychological truth Jung emphasized: being fixated only on oneself prevents connection with others, with love, and with the Self.

Confront the shadow instead of repressing it.

Loosen the grip of the persona (the false mask).

Cultivate humility and relationship with the unconscious, through dreams, symbols, and active imagination.

Move from ego-identification to Self-realization, which naturally makes a person more compassionate, balanced, and authentic.

✅ In summary: Jung viewed narcissism as an ego-dominated state that cuts a person off from deeper wholeness. Healing comes not from feeding the ego, but from integrating shadow, embracing humility, and reconnecting with the Self.

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