Narcissist or Narcissismย is a self-centered personality style characterized as having an excessive preoccupation with oneself and one’s own needs, often at the expense of others.
Narcissism exists on a continuum that ranges from normal to abnormal personality expression.ย While there existย normal, healthy levels of narcissismย in humans, there are also more extreme levels of narcissism, being seen particularly in people who are self-absorbed, or people who have a pathological mental illness likeย narcissistic personality disorderย (NPD).
It is one of the traits featured in theย dark triad, along withย Machiavellianismย and subclinicalย psychopathy.
Overview (narcissist)
The word narcissism gets tossed around a lot in our selfie-obsessed, celebrity-driven culture, often to describe someone who seems excessively vain or full of themselves. But in psychological terms, narcissism doesn’t mean self-loveโat least not of a genuine sort. It’s more accurate to say that people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are in love with an idealized, grandiose image of themselves. And they’re in love with this inflated self-image precisely because it allows them to avoid deep feelings of insecurity. But propping up their delusions of grandeur takes a lot of workโand that’s where the dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors come in.
Traits of narcissism
Needs constant praise and admiration
A narcissist’s sense of superiority is like a balloon that gradually loses air without a steady stream of applause and recognition to keep it inflated. The occasional compliment is not enough. Narc need constant food for their ego, so they surround themselves with people who are willing to cater to their obsessive craving for affirmation. These relationships are very one-sided. It’s all about what the admirer can do for the narcissist, never the other way around. And if there is ever an interruption or diminishment in the admirer’s attention and praise, the narcissist treats it as a betrayal.
Sense of entitlement
Because they consider themselves special, narcissists expect favorable treatment as their due. They truly believe that whatever they want, they should get. They also expect the people around them to automatically comply with their every wish and whim. That is their only value. If you don’t anticipate and meet their every need, then you’re useless. And if you have the nerve to defy their will or โselfishlyโ ask for something in return, prepare yourself for aggression, outrage, or the cold shoulder.
Exploits others without guilt or shame
Narcissists never develop the ability to identify with the feelings of othersโto put themselves in other people’s shoes. In other words, they lackย empathy. In many ways, they view the people in their lives as objectsโthere to serve their needs. As a consequence, they don’t think twice about taking advantage of others to achieve their own ends. Sometimes this interpersonal exploitation is malicious, but often it is simply oblivious. Narcissists simply don’t think about how their behavior affects others. And if you point it out, they still won’t truly get it. The only thing they understand is their own needs.
Types of narcissist
Communal narcissism.ย Communal narcissists tend to view themselves as altruistic and claim to care deeply about fairness. They present themselves to others as supportive and selfless. However, their behavior is motivated by a desire for social power and a sense of superiority or entitlement. Because of this, their actions donโt always match their beliefs.
Malignant narcissism.ย Malignant narcissism can be a more destructive form of the personality disorder. In addition to the typical signs of narcissism, a malignant narcissist might be aggressive, paranoid, or sadisticโtaking joy in other peopleโs pain. They tend to display antisocial behavior, disregarding the rights or safety of others.
Overt or grandioseย narcissism.ย Overt narcissists tend to be extroverted but also uncooperative, selfish, and overbearing. Their exaggerated self-image and high self-esteem allow them to be confident and assertive. However, theyโre also likely to overestimate their own emotional intelligence.
Cure of narcissism
#1.Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder isย talk therapy, also called psychotherapy. Medicines may be included in your treatment if you have other mental health conditions, such as depression.
#2.There is no cure, but therapy can help. The goal is to build up the person’s poor self-esteem and have more realistic expectations of others. Treatment usually centers on talk therapy. Sometimes people call this psychotherapy.