Inflated fragile self-esteem masks existential dread but needs constant reassurance
Evidence
Some people, however, never develop a secure sense of self-worth in childhood and come to rely on excessive boasting and extreme defensive distortions to try to dampen existential dread. This leads to an inflated but fragile self-image that provides momentary security but requires constant reassurance and is vulnerable to the slightest challenge. — Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, Tom Pyszczynski, The Worm at the Core, 262
Categorization
- XREF: Directly parallels the narcissism literature, and connects to the fragile-vs-genuine self-esteem distinction developed throughout the chapter. — connects to: Adolescent daydreaming is a narcissistic compensation for felt inadequacy; The narcissist’s vanity grows more anxious and paranoid with age — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 1834