Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Envy Theory: Perspectives on the Psychology of Envy

Envy arouses questions about fairness and unequal distribution of resources. Scavenging for hidden treasures and exploiting the acquisition of what is perceived to be free also imply underlying envy and greed. Envy, in isolation, can be destructive to psychological processes. Endowments of envy, however, are not as bleak and unsparing as they at first may appear. Envy, recognized and intelligently managed, transforms and may spur admiration, emulation, aspiration, empathy, and developmental advantages. Here, Ninivaggi offers a theory of envy and explores various ideas and concepts related to it. He proposes research paradigms for testability, advances principles and guidelines for pragmatic applications in psychotherapies and psychoeducation, and considers new paths for further discovery. Review Growing out of and expanding on the seminal work of Melanie Klein (in particular, the essays collected in Envy and Gratitude, 1957) and other psychoanalytic writers--and drawing on the author's extensive clinical experience with children and adults--this book presents a new theory of the psychodynamics of envy and its role in both healthy and unhealthy personality development. Ninivaggi, a psychiatrist who has also published books on Ayurvedic medicine (e.g., Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Indian Medicine for the West, 2008), proposes that envy, both unconscious and conscious, is a powerful human force that structures relationships with others, particularly those closest to one. Along with what he calls "primary love," envy is evident at the very beginning of the infant's attachment to the mother and is the expression of a "primitive, innate destructiveness." Envy, according to the author, has many manifestations and is deeply woven into life at many levels, from an individual's thoughts and feelings to mythology and religion. Those outside the psychoanalytic realm may find some of the author's conclusions challenging. This is, nevertheless, a nuanced and creative exploration of one of the most complex emotions. Summing Up: Recommended.--CHOICE Concerned with the varying aspects of envy, Dr. Nanivaggi presents a masterful review and compelling theoretical model for understanding pathological and healthy aspects of this poorly understood emotion. Drawing from psychology, psychoanalysis, and the humanities, this volume provides new perspectives on this neglected topic.--Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., director, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicin, chief of Child Psychiatry Yale New Haven Hospital Dr. Ninivaggi's Envy Theory is a thought-provoking work which is well worth the effort of reading. Building on the ideas of Melanie Klein and on psychodynamic, cognitive and even neurobiological principles, the book synthesizes a wide range of information into a novel theory of envy. Envy is elevated to the level of a major impulse, akin to love and hate, with major potential implications for normal maturation, treatment-resistant mental illness, and the theoretical underpinnings of mental life. It is a fascinating addition to the literature.--Susan Kruger, M.D., Psychiatrist, Yale University It was a pleasure to read the Envy Theory. In this book, Dr Ninivaggi has skillfully integrated psychological and psychoanalytical concepts to propose a comprehensive model of envy. The book reflects the author's clear understanding of this relatively understudied phenomenon. I am particularly impressed by the concept of nuclear envy which fills an important gap in our understanding of envious relationships. For this reason, I believe that this book will establish envy as a core module of the mind. Dr Ninivaggi has perfected the art of presenting complex concepts in simple language. This perfection has made this book highly readable and interesting. Since the Envy Theory provides better understanding of the human mind and helps us analyze human relations in a novel context, I am sure it will