Understanding Narcissists : How to Cope with Destructive People in Your Life

This book will guide readers to understand the various indices of observable and destructive narcissistic behaviors and attitudes that are exhibited in everyday interactions with self-inflated people, focusing on the larger societal impacts of those behaviors. Further, the text makes suggestions for effectively managing the negative impact of the Destructive Narcissistic Pattern (DNP), which includes such attributes as anger and shame, and instructs readers how to grow and develop Healthy Adult Narcissism (HAN) consisting of empathy, wisdom, humor, and zest.

This book differs from others on the same topic by illustrating the various ways that excessive self-esteem is portrayed in the media as well as presenting the perspective that there are many different ways to exhibit the varied self-inflated, self-centered behaviors and attitudes in everyday adult behaviors and relationships. By the end, this text aims to encourage healthy valuations of self and others that create a sense of purpose; personal satisfaction; and enduring, meaningful relationships.

"This is a must read for those who are interested in psychological insights into the high profile media coverage of celebrity bribes and the cover-up of sexual abuse and government official misconduct. Brown does a superb job of describing the attitudes and behavior of the destructive narcissistic pattern and how we can become unwittingly ensnared in both work and relationships. Understanding is linked with hope in how we can moderate and even disentangle ourselves and strive for healthy narcissism."– Gary M. Burlingame, professor and chair of psychology, Brigham Young University, president-elect American Group Psychotherapy Association