A critique of the traditional economic concept of narcissism as the libidinal investment of the self has been offered. A functional definition was proposed, according to which mental activity is narcissistic to the degree that its function is to maintain the cohesiveness, stability and positive affective colouring of the self-representation. Contributions to a functional understanding of narcissism were reviewed. It was argued that the proposed functional conception of narcissism lends clarification to our understanding of the narcissistic perversion, narcissistic object relationships, narcissism as a developmental line, the relationship of narcissistic activity to self-esteem, and the issue of healthy versus unhealthy narcissism. Lastly, the claim was made that a functional understanding of narcissism can help analysts avoid certain countertransference pitfalls encountered with narcissistic patients.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT