The Workaholics

The respectable addicts

by Barbara Killinger, Ph.D.

The Workaholic Breakdown Syndrome: Chronic Fatigue

Dependent on others to affirm their self worth, workaholics suffer a crisis of confidence as the six escalating fears discussed in the previous blog, especially the fear of failure and increasing paranoia, cause anxiety levels to climb and eventually destabilize functioning. Read More

The Workaholic Breakdown Syndrome—Six Fears

In order to fully understand the inner dynamics of workaholism, we initially began by exploring how the perfectionistic tendencies of workaholics gradually lead to obsessive thoughts and compulsive acts. In turn, we examined how their narrow fixation on work-related issues leads to the development of increasing levels of ego-inflated, self-absorbed neurotic narcissism. Read More

Understanding the Dynamics of Workaholism-Narcissism

Normal levels of narcissism are fundamental to the development of our self-respect, self-love, and pride. Unfortunately, perfectionism and obsession can lead to high levels of ego-inflated self-absorption that encourages the development of neurotic narcissistic traits. Read More

Understanding the Dynamics of Workaholism—Obsession

In order to further understand one of the inner dynamics of workaholism—that perfectionism leads to obsession, and in turn, obsession leads to increasing levels of narcissism—our focus now turns to the role that obsession plays. Read More

Understanding the Dynamics of Workaholism—Perfectionism

Our topic is the particular role that perfectionism plays in our understanding of one of the interacting dynamics of workaholism—that perfectionism leads to obsession, and in turn, obsession leads to increasing levels of narcissism. Read More

Understanding the Dynamics of Workaholism

Introduction

Workaholism is a soul-destroying addiction that changes people's personality and the values they live by. It distorts the reality of each family member, threatens family security and often leads to family break-up. Tragically, workaholics eventually suffer the loss of personal and professional integrity. Read More

Achieving Inner Balance

If your goal is to live a balanced life by choosing a lifestyle where you achieve success in your chosen field through determined effort and ingenuity, and at the same time manage to be emotionally fully present and genuinely involved in the lives of your chosen partner, children, friends and the wider community, then Achieving Inner Balance in Anxious Times is Read More

The Loss of Integrity

It's upsetting each time we read about yet another prominent figure losing their integrity through lying, stealing, committing fraud, or infidelity. Why do bright and talented people such as Bernard Ebbers, Jeffrey Skilling, Andrew Fastow, Eliot Spitzer, and Tiger Wood fall from grace? Read More