When the bubble bursts: Narcissistic vulnerability in mid-life

Mid-life poses many stresses that are taxing even for those with relatively cohesive selves and good compensatory structures as well as those who show more severe pathology. This article will discuss mid-life issues, a self psychological perspective on mid-life, and will describe three individuals whose presenting problems were triggered by mid-life events that stimulated their underlying narcissistic vulnerability. The article will discuss and illustrate special emphases in the treatment of such patients drawing on self psychological theory generally.