Narcissism:

« Back to Glossary Index

Narcissism encompasses a range of behaviors and traits, including an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy. Narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, with some showing occasional, mild, or manageable narcissistic tendencies and with others having more persistent tendencies that affect relationships and wellbeing. The cause of narcissism likely involve a complex combination of factors, including: environmental (early childhood abuse, neglect, inconsistent parenting, traumatic events), genetics (predisposition to certain personality traits), and psychological factors (unresolved trauma, low self-esteem, need for external validation). Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and malignant narcissism represent the most severe ends of that spectrum. To date, NPD is the only officially diagnosable condition in DSM-5. Most experts agree to five narcissism subtypes: grandiose (also called overt or agentic), vulnerable (alsocalledcovert orneurotic), and three grandiose subtypes (antagonistic, communal, andmalignant). Psychiatrist Ramani Durvasula identifies eight: grandiose, vulnerable, malignant, communal, benign, neglectful, entitled/self-righteous, and generational/cultural. But all experts note the label is less important than recognizing behavior patterns and placement on the narcissism spectrum. Listed here, in alpha order, are categories found in searches (with grandiose most common, followed by vulnerable):

• Adaptive/maladaptive: Self-confidence and belief in our ability can be adaptive. Maladaptive  involves same traits but to extreme degree, harming relationships, self-esteem, overall functioning. 
• Agentic or having agency: Involves seeking attention, feeling entitled, being assertive, believing in personal greatness, feelings of superiority
• Antagonistic: Hostility, arrogance, tendency toward conflict and exploiting others — desire to achieve power and status.
• Benign: Vanity, grandiosity, lacking empathy, but not intentionally malicious or destructive. Immature, clueless, or emotionally shallow, leading to disappointment for those around them. 
• Echoism: Often called the opposite of narcissism, but an unhealthy response or coping mechanism to narcissistic parents, people-pleasing, self-effacing, afraid to voice opinions, needs, or desires
• Grandiose/overt (blends agentic and antagonistic): Self-importance, entitlement, arrogance, linked to pursuit of power and status, often become leaders. 
• Communal: Seeking validation and admiration by appearing selfless and helpful, often to the detriment or genuine concern for others.
• Entitled/self-righteous: Deriving self-worth from appearing morally superior to others, using it to judge, control, and belittle others. Appearing disciplined and loyal, but are emotionally cold. 
• Exhibitionist: Extroverted, attention-seeking, unrealistic self-perception, overly confident, charismatic facade, overreacts to criticism, dominates/takes credit, devalues those who disappoint them. 
• Generational/cultural: Traits (entitlement, authoritarianism, emotional invalidation) normalized by a society, culture, or family lineage—to maintain power. Intergenerational cycles of abuse. 
• Healthy: All of us need to have a healthy self-regard and self-love to be ambitious, productive, and  find success and happiness in life.
• Malignant: More extreme form that combines narcissistic and antisocial behaviors (aggression, manipulation, lack of empathy), potentially causing significant harm. 
• Neglectful: Disengaging/treating others as conveniences for their benefit, not to form genuine connections. Fail to provide emotional support, attention, or care to those in their lives. 
• Neurotic: Strong negative emotions, heightened self-consciousness, shyness, distrust, and shame.
• Pathological: Maladaptive self-regulation with two key features: grandiosity and vulnerability. Associated with poor, long-term functioning, especially interpersonal
• Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD): Only formal diagnosis, must meet 5/9 traits to be diagnosed, including pervasive grandiosity, need for admiration, lack of empathy.
• Vulnerable/covert/closet (blends neurotic/antagonistic): Introversion/low self-esteem, needs validation, fears abandonment, sensitive/defensive. High anxiety, strong negative emotions, intense reaction to perceived criticism or lack of admiration.