in self psychology, narcissistic problems resulting from insufficient response by others (such as parents) to one’s needs. According to this view, an individual’s self-cohesion, self-esteem, and vitality derive from and are maintained by the empathic responsiveness of others; lack of this response can lead to deficiencies or inabilities in loving other people and to a focus on oneself. [defined by Austrian-born U.S. psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut (1913–1981)]