Why female narcissists bully differently than you might expect
Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
Narcissism and gender differences: Vulnerable vs. Grandiose
Narcissism isn't a one-size-fits-all trait, especially when it comes to gender. Research reveals that female narcissists tend to be 'vulnerable' while their male counterparts are more often 'grandiose.' Dr. Claire Hart, co-author of two pivotal studies on gender and narcissism, sheds light on this distinction.
Dr. Hart explains, "Narcissism is a complex personality trait. We all exhibit narcissistic features to varying degrees, which can be expressed in both grandiose and vulnerable forms. Individuals who exhibit more grandiose features are self-assured and socially dominant, whereas those who exhibit more vulnerable features are introverted and have lower self-esteem. Both types share an antagonistic core, demonstrated by high levels of entitlement and a willingness to exploit others."
Intimate Partner Violence and Narcissism
In the first study, over 300 adults were assessed for their levels of narcissism and asked about intimate partner violence. Dr. Green, the study’s lead author, shared the findings:
"Grandiose narcissism in men was associated with greater perpetration of psychological partner violence. In contrast, vulnerable narcissism in women was linked with greater perpetration of physical, sexual, and psychological partner violence.
Interestingly, women who recalled having a caring mother during childhood exhibited reduced levels of vulnerable narcissism and subsequent violence toward their partners. This highlights potential intervention strategies that can be incorporated into therapy programs."
Bullying Among Female Friends
A second study focused on bullying among friends, surveying over 300 women. Dr. Hart explained the results:
"Higher scores on vulnerable narcissism were associated with a greater likelihood of engaging in verbal, physical, and indirect forms of bullying. Higher scores on grandiose narcissism were linked to physical or verbal bullying.
However, when both types of narcissism were considered together, only vulnerable narcissism significantly predicted physical and verbal bullying among women. This underscores the importance of recognizing vulnerable narcissism in understanding bullying behaviors."
Dr. Green added, "These findings show that narcissistic women are less likely to display the stereotypical grandiose narcissism seen in men, possibly due to societal backlash against women who violate feminine gender norms.
Instead, vulnerable narcissism, which aligns more closely with femininity, is a greater risk marker for offending behaviors in women. This form of narcissism is often marginalized and overlooked due to its subtle nature."
Takeaway for Therapists
As therapists, it’s crucial to understand these gender differences in narcissism. Recognizing the signs of vulnerable narcissism in women can help in tailoring interventions that address the root causes of their behavior, ultimately leading to more effective and empathetic therapy sessions.
These differences are based on breaking research. We can better support our clients in navigating their relationships and personal development, reducing the likelihood of bullying and intimate partner violence linked to narcissistic traits by staying current with important new findings.
Interestingly, women who recalled having a caring mother during childhood exhibited reduced levels of vulnerable narcissism and subsequent violence toward their partners. This highlights potential intervention strategies that can be incorporated into therapy programs. Dr. Clair Hart
Be well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Green, A., Hart, C.M. Mean Girls in Disguise? Associations Between Vulnerable Narcissism and Perpetration of Bullying Among Women. Sex Roles 90, 848–858 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-024-01477-y
Green, A., Hart, C.M., Day, N. et al. Gendering Narcissism: Different Roots and Different Routes to Intimate Partner Violence. Sex Roles 90, 723–741 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-024-01471-4
