Ego Injury:

Ego injury, also known as Narcissistic Injury or Narcissistic Wound, is a significant setback, loss, or rejection, which can trigger secondary narcissism (withdrawing from the external world and turning focus inward) to protect the self. It’s psychological trauma that severely damages the narcissist’s pride and self-worth. Ego injury is closely associated with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), where individuals may be highly sensitive to criticism or perceived slights to their self-image. Characteristics of ego injury:

• Trauma and losses in love or associated with failure can elicit intense emotional response, involving shame, disgrace, and profound sense of personal failure
• Potential for scarring in severely damaging cases, can  have a permanent impact on self-esteem, leaving them feeling inadequate or unworthy
• Envy, unconscious or conscious, of others’ successes or qualities can lead to withdrawal and self-absorption
• Harsh criticism or rejection can lead to a turning inward and relying on self-soothing mechanisms
• Defense mechanisms, by those experiencing ego injury, include counterattacking, blaming others, or becoming defensive instead of acknowledging flaws or mistakes.