Unveiling the Complexities of Narcissism: Insights from a Conversation with Sam Vatnin

In this blog + video recap, I unpack my in-depth interview with leading narcissism scholar Sam Vaknin—covering how pathological narcissism forms in childhood, why emotionally absent or over-protective parenting derails a child’s sense of self, and what happens when an adult can’t tell fantasy from reality. You’ll learn the difference between simple emotional immaturity and full-blown narcissistic personality disorder, the hidden dynamics that make victims feel gas-lit, and why “no contact” is often the safest boundary. We also address the dangers of arm-chair diagnosis and offer practical guidance for anyone coping with narcissistic family members or partners.