Spirituality, Narcissism and Psychotherapy: How are they related
Abstract
This study used data from a long-term longitudinal study of men and women to examine the relations among spirituality, narcissism, and psychotherapy. The findings indicated that in late adulthood (age late 60s/mid 70s) spirituality was related to autonomous or healthy narcissism but was unrelated to willful (overt) or hypersensitive (covert) narcissism, two pathological forms of the construct. Autonomy in early adulthood (age 30s) was a significant predictor of spirituality in late adulthood (a time interval of close to 40 years) and this relation was mediated by involvement in psychotherapy in midlife. Autonomy was related positively, and hypersensitivity was related negatively, to concern for the welfare of future generations. These findings are discussed in light of current concerns about the social implications of the therapeutic culture.
Department
Sociology
Publication Date
5-12-2005
Journal Title
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion
Publisher
Wiley
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Paul Wink, Michele Dillon & Kristen Fay. 2005. “Spirituality, Narcissism and Psychotherapy: How are they related?” Journalfor the Scientific Study of Religion. 44: 143-158.