The psychology of narcissism

The psychology of narcissism

Long before the advent of the selfie, the ancient Greeks and Romans recounted a myth concerning an individual excessively preoccupied with his own image. According to one version of the tale, Narcissus, a handsome man, roamed the world in search of love. After spurning the advances of 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, now marks the location of his death. The myth encapsulates the fundamental concept of narcissism, which denotes an elevated and sometimes harmful degree of self-involvement. However, narcissism is not merely a personality type that appears in advice columns; it is a set of traits that psychologists have classified and studied. Specifically, the psychological definition of narcissism refers to an inflated, grandiose self-image.

To varying degrees, individuals with narcissistic tendencies hold the belief that they possess superior physical attractiveness, intelligence, and importance compared to others, and therefore deserve special treatment. Psychologists have identified two forms of narcissism as a personality trait: grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Additionally, there exists a more extreme form known as narcissistic personality disorder. Grandiose narcissism is the most commonly recognized type, characterized by extroversion, dominance, and attention-seeking behavior. Individuals with this form of narcissism often pursue positions of power, such as politicians, celebrities, or cultural leaders, in order to gain status and attention. However, not all individuals who seek positions of power are narcissistic, as many do so for positive reasons, such as reaching their full potential or helping others. In contrast, vulnerable narcissists may exhibit a quieter and more reserved demeanor, but still possess a strong sense of entitlement and are easily threatened or slighted.

Over time, the negative aspects of narcissism become apparent. Narcissistic individuals tend to act selfishly, which can lead to risky or unethical decision-making by narcissistic leaders, or dishonest and unfaithful behavior by narcissistic partners. When their self-perception is challenged, narcissists can become resentful and aggressive, causing those around them to suffer. In extreme cases, this behavior is classified as a psychological disorder known as narcissistic personality disorder, which affects one to two percent of the population, more commonly men, and is typically diagnosed in adults. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, describes several traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder, including a grandiose view of oneself, problems with empathy, a sense of entitlement, and a need for admiration or attention. These traits become a true personality disorder when they take over an individual's life and cause significant problems.

The causes of narcissism are complex, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role. Twin studies have shown a strong genetic component, although the specific genes involved are not yet known. Environmental factors, such as parents who place their child on a pedestal or who are cold and controlling, can also contribute to the development of narcissistic tendencies.

Narcissism appears to be more prevalent in cultures that place a high value on individualism and self-promotion. In the United States, for instance, narcissism as a personality trait has been on the rise since the 1970s, when the communal focus of the 1960s gave way to the self-esteem movement and an increase in materialism. More recently, social media has expanded the opportunities for self-promotion, although it is important to note that there is no conclusive evidence that social media causes narcissism. Rather, it provides narcissists with a means to seek social status and attention.

Can narcissists improve their negative traits? Yes, they can. Anything that encourages honest self-reflection and concern for others, such as psychotherapy or practicing compassion, can be beneficial. However, individuals with narcissistic personality disorder may find it challenging to continue working on self-improvement. For a narcissist, self-reflection can be difficult when viewed from an unflattering perspective.