The Narcissism Spectrum: Understanding the Traits and Types of Narcissists
Narcissism is a personality disorder in which a person has an inflated sense of self without cause. This is usually closely tied to traits like extreme focus on the self and a powerful need for praise. You’ve likely met someone who you thought was a narcissist in your day-to-day life.
People don’t often realize that narcissism is a spectrum. There are nine key narcissistic traits and several different types of narcissists. While most people exhibit some narcissistic traits, few actually have a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). You may be surprised to hear that some narcissistic traits can even be protective rather than damaging. Let’s take a deeper look.
The Traits of Narcissism
Only a mental health professional can diagnose NPD. They typically use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), also known as the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, there are nine narcissistic traits. A person must exhibit at least five traits to be diagnosed with NPD.
Narcissistic traits include:
● A lack of empathy
● Arrogance
● A grandiose sense of importance
● The belief that one is “special”
● Entitlement and a desire for special treatment
● Powerful jealousy and envy, or assuming others envy them
● A strong desire for admiration and praise
● Fantasies about success, power, or attractiveness
● Manipulation of others to achieve one’s own goals
These traits can affect a person’s self-image, behavior, relationships, and how they manage their emotions. Traits may show up differently depending on the situation, or only appear at certain times.
Types of Narcissism
There are a few schools of thought when it comes to determining the types of narcissism, but we can identify seven distinct forms of narcissism.
Overt
This is the type of narcissism you’ve likely seen in movies or identified in your own life. Overt narcissism is the most obvious form of NPD. People with this type of narcissism can appear self-obsessed, entitled, and focused on their status. They don’t take criticism well and have an inflated self-image.
Covert
Covert narcissism is harder to identify since it doesn’t include the loud, oppressive traits you typically attribute to narcissism. People with covert narcissism may still experience a sense of entitlement and grandiosity, but they display it passively. They can appear introverted, avoidant, or defensive. They may use manipulation tactics, like gaslighting or playing the victim, to get the validation or attention they want.
Communal
A desire for fairness and praise characterizes communal narcissism. These folks value social power and positioning. They say they have strong values and morals, but how they treat others doesn’t match. They have powerful reactions to unjust events and may even engage in activism. However, their motivation for action stems from a desire to earn validation rather than righting wrongs.
Antagonistic
Antagonistic narcissists focus on rivalry and feel an intense desire to be better than others. They will engage in nefarious behavior to “win,” like cheating, gaslighting, lying, or taking advantage of others. They tend to be disagreeable and arrogant and are less likely to forgive than other types of narcissists.
Malignant
Known as the most severe, dangerous, and disruptive form of NPD, malignant narcissism tends to present with elevated levels of narcissistic traits. These folks may be aggressive, vindictive, hostile, and paranoid. They can lack empathy and enjoy seeing others in pain. Their disorder may lead to legal trouble or substance abuse.
Adaptive and Maladaptive
Adaptive and maladaptive narcissism are umbrella terms. They describe certain traits of narcissism, and other types of narcissism can fall under these two categories, with most types being maladaptive.
Traits of adaptive narcissism can be helpful and even positive, like self-reliance, confidence, and the desire to celebrate your wins. These traits can help people succeed at school or work and adapt to social situations. Meanwhile, maladaptive narcissism traits can negatively affect the way you interact with others, like aggression, gaslighting, and entitlement. This can lead to poor relationships with others.
Understanding Narcissism as a Spectrum
While there are recognizable types of narcissism, NPD traits exist on a spectrum. Some traits can present more intensely than others, and some people will have more traits than others. It’s also important to remember that people who do not have the disorder can showcase these traits. You’ve likely seen these traits in others, and maybe even in yourself.
Here are a few examples of how adaptive, positive narcissistic traits can show up:
● Wanting more recognition at work for a completed project
● Feeling fulfilled and proud when friends come to you for advice.
● Deciding you deserve better when someone doesn’t recognize your worth
● Easily taking on a leadership role because you have a strong belief in your skills
At times, narcissistic traits can help you feel empowered. They can help you avoid distress and help you get through tough situations.
It’s also important to be aware of how more negative narcissistic traits can show up in daily life:
● Steering the conversation in an attempt to get compliments from others
● Talking up your own accomplishments
● Expecting your boss to excuse you for being late at work
● Alternating between praising and criticizing a romantic partner
● Focusing on your own issues so much that you forget to consider what others are going through
● Fantasizing about revenge and holding a grudge
● Having an intense outburst when someone rejects you for a date
Narcissism is a spectrum. Everyone displays narcissistic traits in one way or another, but those with NPD exhibit more traits, typically with more intensity. While it’s important to notice these traits when interacting with others, remember that only a medical health professional can diagnose NPD.
If you need help dealing with a friend, coworker, partner, or parent who displays narcissistic traits, consider therapy. Bloom Practice’s trained therapists can provide an unbiased, professional opinion. They can offer guidance in navigating these often tricky relationships. Request a session with one of our therapists today.
Sources
Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW is a clinical psychotherapist. Zairys provides individual, couples and sex therapy using evidence-based approaches. She specializes in treating individuals and couples who have relationship or sexual concerns. Read full bio