The Psychoanalytic Theory of Groups: Leaders and Followers, Nixon: A Psychobiography

Norman Itzkowitz, Ph.D., Professor of History at Princeton University, presented a summary of his findings concerning Nixon's personality—his psychopathology as well as his strengths. The presentation was based on a recent book that he co-authored with Dr. Vamik Volkan, who was in attendance, along with Dr. Leo Rangell, a Nixon watcher who authored the book, The Mind of Watergate. The theme of the presentation was that Nixon had three selves that were often split off from each other: (1) the grandiose self that was constantly seeking affirmation of his strength and superiority; (2) the hungry self that could become rageful and paranoid when his narcissistic needs were not gratified; and (3) his peacemaker self that had its origins mainly in his identification with his Quaker mother. The etiology of his narcissistic personality structure derived from his depressed, frequently absent mother and his devalued and abusive father. This contingency combined with being singled out as special in his family because of his intellectual and academic gifts. His entire life was characterized by intense efforts, mostly successful, to attain leadership positions to feed his sense of grandiosity and control others who were seen as potential enemies. His public appeal was based on his intuitive understanding of people's fears, which mirrored his own, as well as his ability to portray himself as a man of strength and boldness who overcame poverty and adversity to achieve success.