12 Traits of Narcissism
Friday, July 19, 2024.
Narcissism, frequently mentioned in everyday conversation, is much more than a casual term for someone who is self-centered.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a significant psychological condition that affects not only those afflicted, but also those around them.
In this post, we’ll examine the 12 key traits of narcissism, supported by extensive social science research, to provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex disorder.
Grandiosity
Grandiosity is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Individuals with NPD often believe they are superior to others and expect recognition for their perceived greatness, regardless of their actual achievements.
Grandiosity is a defense mechanism that masks underlying insecurity. According to Campbell and Miller (2011), narcissists' grandiose self-image helps them cope with feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability. This inflated self-view can lead to arrogance and dismissive attitudes toward others.
Preoccupation with Fantasies
Narcissists often have elaborate fantasies about unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. These fantasies provide an escape from reality and reinforce their grandiose self-image.
Research by Morf and Rhodewalt (2001) indicates that these fantasies serve as a psychological buffer against the harsh realities of life. They help narcissists maintain their inflated self-concept and justify their sense of entitlement.
Belief in Their Uniqueness
Narcissists believe they are unique and can only be understood by other special or high-status people. This belief fosters an elitist attitude and a sense of exclusivity.
This trait is rooted in their need to feel special and superior. Studies by Raskin and Terry (1988) show that narcissists often associate with high-status individuals or institutions to bolster their self-esteem and reinforce their unique self-image.
Need for Excessive Admiration
Narcissists require constant admiration and validation from others. This need is insatiable and drives much of their behavior.
Bushman and Baumeister (1998) found that narcissists' self-esteem is highly contingent on external validation. Without continuous admiration, they may experience significant distress and engage in behaviors aimed at eliciting the desired attention.
Sense of Entitlement
A sense of entitlement is a defining feature of narcissism. Narcissists expect favorable treatment and automatic compliance with their expectations.
Twenge and Campbell (2009) highlight that this entitlement stems from an overblown self-concept. It often leads to unreasonable demands and expectations in relationships and social interactions.
Exploitative Behavior
Narcissists frequently exploit others to achieve their own goals. They see others as tools to be used for their benefit.
Exploitative behavior is linked to their lack of empathy and sense of entitlement. Research by Miller et al. (2017) shows that narcissists are adept at manipulating others to get what they want, often with little regard for the consequences.
Lack of Empathy
Narcissists struggle to recognize or care about the feelings and needs of others. This lack of empathy makes it difficult for them to form genuine, caring relationships.
Levy (2012) explains that the lack of empathy in narcissists is a core feature of the disorder. This deficit in emotional understanding and connection contributes to their exploitative and manipulative behaviors.
Envy and Belief That Others Are Envious
Narcissists often feel envious of others and believe that others are envious of them. This duality reinforces their sense of superiority and justifies their competitive behaviors.
This trait is rooted in their fragile self-esteem. Morf and Rhodewalt (2001) suggest that envy in narcissists is a reaction to perceived threats to their self-image, leading them to devalue others' achievements.
Arrogant and Haughty Behaviors
Arrogance and haughtiness are common in narcissists. They display disdainful attitudes towards others, believing themselves to be above criticism.
Arrogance serves as a defense against feelings of inferiority. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), these behaviors help narcissists maintain their grandiose self-image by distancing themselves from perceived flaws or weaknesses.
Difficulty Handling Criticism
Narcissists have a fragile self-esteem that is easily wounded by criticism. They may react with anger, defensiveness, or even rage when confronted with negative feedback.
Bushman and Baumeister (1998) found that narcissists' aggressive responses to criticism are attempts to protect their vulnerable self-esteem. These reactions can escalate into significant interpersonal conflicts.
Interpersonal Conflict
Narcissists often experience significant interpersonal conflict due to their exploitative behavior, lack of empathy, and need for admiration.
Interpersonal conflicts arise from the narcissist's manipulative and self-centered behaviors. Twenge and Campbell (2009) note that these conflicts are exacerbated by their inability to tolerate criticism and their constant need for validation.
Difficulty with Intimacy
Narcissists struggle with intimacy, finding it difficult to form deep, meaningful connections with others. Their self-centered nature hinders their ability to engage in reciprocal, caring relationships.
Levy (2012) suggests that narcissists' difficulty with intimacy is a result of their impaired empathy and preoccupation with self-image. This leads to superficial relationships that lack genuine emotional depth.
Final thoughts
Understanding the 12 traits of narcissism is essential for recognizing and addressing this complex personality disorder.
Understand these 12 behaviors and attitudes. It will help you to better navigate the challenges posed by a narcissistic partner and work towards healthier, more empathetic interactions with them.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Bushman, B. J., & Baumeister, R. F. (1998). Threatened egotism, narcissism, self-esteem, and direct and displaced aggression: Does self-love or self-hate lead to violence? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(1), 219-229.
Campbell, W. K., & Miller, J. D. (2011). The handbook of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder: Theoretical approaches, empirical findings, and treatments. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Levy, K. N. (2012). Subtypes, dimensions, levels, and mental states in narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 68(8), 886-897.
Miller, J. D., Lynam, D. R., Hyatt, C. S., & Campbell, W. K. (2017). Controversies in narcissism. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 13, 291-315.
Morf, C. C., & Rhodewalt, F. (2001). Unraveling the paradoxes of narcissism: A dynamic self-regulatory processing model. Psychological Inquiry, 12(4), 177-196.
Raskin, R., & Terry, H. (1988). A principal-components analysis of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory and further evidence of its construct validity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54(5), 890-902.
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2009). The narcissism epidemic: Living in the age of entitlement. New York, NY: Free Press.
