4 Primary Types Of Narcissists

What Is Narcissism?

The British author and physician Havelock Ellis first recognized narcissism as a mental disease in 1898.

Narcissism is pathological self-absorption. 

The traits of narcissism include an exaggerated sense of oneself, an addiction to the imagination, an extraordinary coolness and composure that is only affected when the narcissist's self-assurance is in jeopardy, and a propensity to use or abuse other people, without remorse.

Narcissus, a mythical character who fell in love with his own mirror, is the origin of the disorder's name. 

Narcissism, in accordance with Sigmund Freud, is a stage of normal development for children, but it is seen as a disease when it develops after puberty.

Clinical testing is typically used to determine whether someone has a narcissistic personality disorder.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) fifth edition (2013) defines it in terms of the personality traits of grandiosity and attention-seeking as well as in terms of significant impairments in personality functioning, such as relying excessively on others to control one's self-esteem, believing oneself to be exceptional, having diminished empathy, and having relationships that are primarily superficial.

Narcissists actively manipulate others to compel or elicit praise from them because they crave positive feedback about themselves. 

Therefore, it is believed that narcissism is a persistent interpersonal self-esteem control.

In other words, narcissism is extreme self-involvement to the point where it causes a person to disregard the needs of those around them.

Everyone has the potential to act narcissistically once in a while, but true narcissists routinely neglect the emotions of others.

They are unaware of how their actions affect other individuals.

Here are the 4 primary types of Narcissism:

1. Grandiose

While lacking empathy for others, narcissists typically seek attention and adoration.

Nevertheless, not all narcissists are the same.

The superiority and pretentiousness that grandiose narcissists exhibit may be different from that of other sufferers of the disorder.

Although narcissism has a reputation for defying treatment, being aware of the symptoms can help.

Symptoms:

A need for admiration

A lack of empathy

An exaggerated sense of importance.

Persistent fantasies of increased success, power, happiness, love, intelligence, or physical appearance.

A belief that they are so special that they should only associate with other special people.

A belief that they should receive special attention, treatment, and gifts.

A tendency to take advantage of other people or situations to fulfill their goals.

Lacking care, compassion, and empathy for others.

Being envious of others and thinking that others are envious of them.

Appearing arrogant, conceited, or self-absorbed.

2. Malignant

Malignant narcissism is considered by many to be the most severe type. That's why it helps to recognize when you have someone with this condition in your life and what to expect from interactions with them.

Malignant narcissists are by far the most destructive to other people. The phrase "malignant narcissism" was initially used by social psychologist Erich Fromm, who described individuals with this type as "the quintessence of evil."

Malignant narcissists are by far the most destructive to other people. 

The phrase "malignant narcissism" was initially used by social psychologist Erich Fromm, who described individuals with this type as "the quintessence of evil."

People that fit this category frequently exhibit egocentricity and other NPD characteristics. 

In addition, they exhibit antisocial behaviors, even a cruel streak, low self-esteem, and a lack of empathy. 

Malignant narcissism frequently includes some paranoia as well.

Symptoms:

Preoccupied with fantasies about beauty, brilliance, success, and power.

Unable to handle criticism.

Tendency to lash out if they feel slighted.

Likely to take advantage of others to get what they want.

Overly concerned about their appearance.

Have an expectation of being treated as superior.

Lack of empathy for others.

Inflated sense of self and inability to self-regulate.

Have no remorse for hurting others and no interest in apologizing unless it benefits them.

Have an attitude of deserving the best of everything.

Tendency to monopolize conversations and/or mistreat those who they perceive as inferior.

Hidden insecurity and a weak sense of self.

Tendency to blame others for their own bad behavior.

3. Covert

In the field of psychology, behavior can be described as overt or covert. Overt behaviors are those that can be easily observed by others, such as those of the traditional narcissist described earlier.

Covert behaviors, however, are those that are more subtle and a bit less obvious to others.

Many people have fallen victim to the manipulative behaviors of a covert narcissist without realizing what has happened until they are already in emotional pain.

It might be more accurate to suggest that the extroverted (overt) narcissist would be a lot easier to see coming than the introverted (covert) narcissist.

Symptoms:

Treating others with superiority and condescension.

Creating a public image that is completely different than private behaviors.

Making unreasonable demands on others.

Belittling and blaming others.

Gossiping about others.

Expressing rage and then denying their anger.

Using guilt trips and shame to control others.

Expecting others to care for them or solve their problems.

Gaslighting behaviors, such as being critical but making it sound like it is coming from a place of concern.

Taking advantage of other people's vulnerabilities.

Dismissing or denying other people's feelings, emotions, or experiences.

Responding to others with passive-aggressive behavior.

4. Communal

Despite not being a recognized condition, communal narcissism is the term used to describe grandiose, exaggerated perceptions within a communal setting.

Communal narcissists frequently think they are very good at making friends and have high levels of likeability and helpfulness.

Since they are primarily concerned with satisfying their own demands, they are actually quite hypocritical.

Symptoms:

Extreme dedication to specific charities or causes: Their devotion may cause them to neglect other important tasks or step on the toes of others.

Often talking about having a mission or a calling: They consider serving the community to be of utmost importance, and they may deem any other interests as petty or selfish.

Stirring excess drama or conflict at charitable or work-related events: Rather than focus on achieving a communal goal, they may be more focused on hierarchies or self-inflicted politics.

Coming across as a martyr: They will mock or degrade people who do not also share the same martyr-like interests

Believing they are the best at something: They may have no evidence to substantiate this claim.

Only seem to show concern for societal needs in public: In private, they do not exhibit the same motivations. 

For example, they might donate lavish amounts of money at an important event, but they wouldn't ever consider becoming an anonymous donor. 

Or, they might post about needing to save the planet on social media without actually making a personal effort to do so.

Conclusion

We all exhibit some level of psychological egoism, according to many philosophers and scientists, which means that we all act in ways that are motivated by our own self-interests.

However, those who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder have more feelings of entitlement and superiority.

They frequently become consumed by their own success fantasies. 

They frequently have trouble empathetically recognizing others' actual needs and can be hesitant or unable to do so.

Thank You for Reading.

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