What does this research mean for the field?

Narcissism functions as a universal survival-regulatory mechanism rather than a pathology, with health dependent on the flexibility of the pendulum between narcissistic armoring and connection with others. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to reframe narcissism as a function of survival and emotional regulation rather than solely as a pathology.

February 25, 2026Open Access

The Psychic Pendulum of Narcissism

DSDimitris SeferiadisPanteion University

Key Points

The aim is to reframe narcissism as a function of survival and emotional regulation rather than solely as a pathology.
Descriptive analysis of narcissism's dynamics in psychic life
Focus on the pendulum concept between connection and armoring
Examine the role of therapy in facilitating emotional flexibility
Narcissism serves a universal survival function
Health is linked to emotional plasticity and flexible regulation
Suffering occurs when psychic movement becomes fixed in extremes of control or isolation

Abstract

The text frames narcissism not as pathology but as a universal survival-regulatory function. Psychic life is described as a pendulum that moves daily between narcissistic armoring and connection with the Other. Health lies in plasticity—the capacity to keep this movement flexible—while suffering appears when the pendulum becomes fixed (e.g., in absolute control or isolation). This dynamic begins early (even prenatally) and later appears across psychotic, borderline, anxious-depressive, and healthy-depressive positions. Therapy aims to create a space of processing so regulation does not become trapped or repeatedly regress.

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