Graduation Year
2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
Open Access Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)
Abstract
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can be characterized as a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts (APA, 2013). A core feature within NPD is interpersonal dysfunction, which in an extreme form, can be physically, emotionally, and sexually abusive. The etiology of this disorder is rooted in the type of parenting received during childhood, which develops into an individual’s overall attachment style. For this reason, I propose that by identifying adult attachment styles for individuals with NPD, appropriate attachment-based interventions can be selected to treat interpersonal dysfunction, seen in the use of abusive power and control. Overall, I believe this implementation would not only help the individual but could also prevent others from experiencing interpersonal trauma and abuse.
Faculty Mentor
Dustin B. Wygant, PhD
Department Affiliation
Psychology
Committee Member
Melinda Moore, PhD
Department Affiliation
Psychology
Committee Member
Michael McClellan, PhD
Department Affiliation
Psychology
Copyright
2021 Meghan Semenick
Recommended Citation
Semenick, Meghan, "Utilizing Attachment Theory in the Treatment of Interpersonal Dysfunction for Narcissistic Personality Disorder" (2022). Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects. 8.
https://encompass.eku.edu/psych_doctorals/8
