Types of Narcissism: An Overview

Narcissism is a term that refers to an ongoing pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. It is imperative to note that there are many different forms of narcissism and each one has unique characteristics. This article will provide an overview of the different types of narcissism and how they can manifest in various aspects of life.

Relationships: People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) have a pervasive pattern of excessive self-regard and a need for admiration that make it difficult for them to build lasting relationships. They may exhibit aggressive and demanding behavior toward loved ones, resulting in feelings of guilt and inadequacy. They may also idealize people and expect to be idealized in return.

Career and Money: People with NPD may be admired in their careers due to their ambition, charm, and persuasiveness, but may also struggle with feeling entitled or aimless when times are challenging. They may relentlessly pursue money, power, or status, leading to an endless cycle of achievement without satisfaction or fulfillment.

Parenting and Family: People with NPD may seek praise from children as a source of validation, viewing them as mere extensions of themselves. This makes it difficult for them to form close and collaborative relationships with their children. They may also use guilt as a form of manipulation and have difficulty understanding boundaries when providing love and support.

Dating: People with NPD may be seductive and charming when dating and may idealize the other person, believing that they are perfect in every way. However, their love and admiration are often conditional, expecting the other person to be able to meet their often unrealistic expectations. If this does not happen, they may become abusive or controlling in an effort to maintain the relationship.

Breaking Up and Divorce: People with NPD may feel abandoned and worthless when a relationship ends. They may attempt to win back their former partner with promises of grandiose gestures or even become vindictive by trying to take away joint assets or assets they believe they are entitled to.

Marriage: When married to a person with NPD, there may be a lack of emotional connection, communication, and reciprocity. The non-NPD partner may feel trapped and may suffer feelings of worthlessness. There may also be a tendency to overcompensate for their partner’s deficient behaviors, leading to an unhealthy imbalance in the relationship.

Personal Growth: People with NPD have difficulty understanding their own motivations and emotions, and therefore have difficulty recognizing the needs and feelings of others. Therefore, therapy is necessary for growth and advancement. Through therapy, individuals with NPD can learn to identify and accept their struggles, engage in healthy relationships, and develop a sense of empathy.

Stress: People with NPD experience a great deal of stress when it comes to feeling inadequate. They may experience fear of abandonment and fear of failure, both of which can cause them to act erratically and impulsively, further intensifying their feelings of stress.

Pregnancy: People with NPD may feel inadequate in regards to protecting and caring for another life. They may feel helpless and overwhelmed, and become easily frustrated or overwhelmed while pregnant or during postpartum symptoms.