The psychology of narcissism

The ancient Greeks and Romans had a myth about an individual who was excessively fixated on their own image long before the era of selfies. In this tale, Narcissus, a handsome man, wandered the world in search of love.

After rejecting a nymph named Echo, he caught sight of his own reflection in a river and became enamored with it. Unable to tear himself away, Narcissus ultimately met his demise by drowning.

A flower, known as the Narcissus, grew in the spot where he perished. This myth embodies the essence of narcissism, an elevated and sometimes detrimental self-involvement.

However, narcissism is not merely a personality type discussed in advice columns. It is a set of traits recognized and studied by psychologists. Psychologically, narcissism is defined as an inflated and grandiose self-image. To varying degrees, narcissists believe they are more attractive, intelligent, and important than others, and thus deserving of special treatment.

Psychologists identify two forms of narcissism as personality traits: grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Additionally, there is a more extreme form known as narcissistic personality disorder, which we will explore briefly.

Grandiose narcissism is the most familiar type, characterized by extroversion, dominance, and a craving for attention. Individuals with grandiose narcissism seek power and attention, often pursuing careers in politics, entertainment, or cultural leadership.

However, it is important to note that not everyone who pursues positions of power exhibits narcissistic tendencies. Many individuals do so with positive intentions, such as reaching their full potential or improving the lives of others.

Narcissistic individuals, on the other hand, seek power for the status and attention it brings. Vulnerable narcissists, in contrast, tend to be reserved and quiet. They possess a strong sense of entitlement but are easily threatened or offended. In both cases, the negative aspects of narcissism manifest in the long run.

Narcissists often act selfishly, leading narcissistic leaders to make unethical or risky decisions, and causing narcissistic partners to be dishonest or unfaithful. When their idealized self-image is challenged, they can become resentful and hostile, resulting in a negative impact on the people around them.

When taken to the extreme, this behavior is classified as a psychological disorder known as narcissistic personality disorder. This disorder affects approximately one to two percent of the population, with men being more commonly diagnosed.

It is typically diagnosed in adults rather than in young people, although children and adolescents may exhibit self-centered behavior as a normal part of their development. The fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual outlines several traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder.

These include an inflated self-view, difficulties with empathy, a sense of entitlement, and a constant need for admiration and attention. What distinguishes these traits as a true personality disorder is that they dominate individuals' lives and cause significant problems.

For instance, imagine using your spouse or children solely as a source of attention or admiration, rather than caring for them. Alternatively, envision rejecting any constructive feedback about your performance and insisting that everyone who tries to help you is mistaken.

So, what leads to the development of narcissism? Twin studies suggest a strong genetic component, although the specific genes involved remain unknown. However, the environment also plays a role.

Parents who excessively praise their child can foster grandiose narcissism, while cold and controlling parents can contribute to vulnerable narcissism. Additionally, cultures that value individualism and self-promotion tend to exhibit higher levels of narcissism.

In the United States, for example, narcissism as a personality trait has been on the rise since the 1970s, coinciding with the shift from the communal focus of the 1960s to the self-esteem movement and increased materialism.

More recently, the advent of social media has provided narcissists with additional avenues for self-promotion, although it is important to note that there is no clear evidence linking social media to the cause of narcissism. Rather, it offers narcissistic individuals a platform to seek social status and attention.

Can narcissists improve and overcome their negative traits? Yes, they can. Engaging in practices that encourage honest self-reflection and caring for others, such as psychotherapy or practicing compassion, can be beneficial.

However, it can be challenging for individuals with narcissistic personality disorder to persistently work towards self-improvement. For a narcissist, self-reflection becomes difficult when it exposes unflattering aspects of their personality.