The term "narcissist" has become part of everyday language, often used to describe people who seem excessively preoccupied with themselves. However, the concept has much deeper roots and nuances that go beyond simple self-absorption.
Origin of the term: Narcissus in mythology
The term “narcissism” comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man of great beauty who, according to legend, fell in love with his own reflection in a pond. Unable to separate himself from his image, Narcissus died looking at his own reflection, unable to love another person. This story illustrates the essence of narcissism: an obsession with oneself and an inability to connect emotionally with others.
Although the myth is an allegory, the idea of an excessive fixation on oneself was picked up centuries later by modern psychology, particularly in the work of Sigmund Freud, who spoke of narcissism as a normal phase of childhood development. However, when this behavior persists into adulthood and affects daily functioning, it can develop into a personality disorder.
Narcissism in modern psychology
In contemporary psychology, narcissism is considered both a personality trait and a more serious disorder, known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), NPD is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
Characteristics of a Narcissist
Exaggerated sense of self-importance: Narcissists often have a grandiose image of themselves. They believe they are special and deserve to be treated differently or superior to others. They have fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty, or ideal love, and expect others to admire them.
Constant need for admiration: Narcissistic individuals constantly seek external validation. They require others to praise and acknowledge them. Any criticism, no matter how slight, can destabilize them and cause them to react with anger or contempt.
Lack of empathy: A key characteristic of narcissism is the inability or difficulty understanding and emotionally connecting with other people's feelings. Narcissists tend to view others as tools to meet their own needs rather than as individuals with independent emotions and desires.
Sense of entitlement: Narcissists often believe that they deserve special treatment and that rules do not apply to them. They demand that they be given special treatment and that the rules do not apply to them. what they want without regard to the effort or merits of others.
Exploitative behaviors: Because of their lack of empathy and their desire to achieve their goals at any cost, narcissists may exploit others, manipulating them to get what they want.
Envy or belief that others envy them: Narcissists are often extremely envious of others' accomplishments or possessions. At the same time, they may believe that others are envious of them, which reinforces their sense of grandiosity.
Arrogance and contempt: Narcissists often look down on others, especially those they perceive as inferior or who do not provide the admiration they seek.
Types of narcissism
Narcissism is not a homogeneous disorder, but has different manifestations. The main types include:
Grandiose narcissism: This type of narcissism is associated with extroverted, dominant, and highly self-confident people. They often seek social status and power, and do not hesitate to manipulate others to achieve their goals. Grandiose narcissists come across as arrogant and convinced of their superiority.
Vulnerable narcissism: Also known as covert narcissism, this type is harder to identify. Unlike the grandiose narcissist, the vulnerable narcissist is more introverted, anxious, and sensitive to criticism. Although they also have inflated self-esteem, this manifests itself more subtly, often in the form of victimhood or self-pity.
Malignant narcissism: This is the most dangerous type of narcissism and is characterized by antisocial, aggressive, and paranoid behaviors. Malignant narcissists are extremely manipulative and may display psychopathic tendencies. This type of narcissism is characterized by a variety of emotions, including: related to a complete lack of moral conscience and empathy.
Narcissism as a clinical disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is diagnosed when narcissism reaches pathological levels, negatively affecting the life of the person and those around them. People with NPD often have difficulties in their interpersonal and work relationships, since their egocentric behavior and lack of empathy cause constant conflicts.
Diagnostic criteria
The DSM-5 establishes a series of criteria that must be met to diagnose someone with NPD. These criteria include:
- Having a grandiose sense of self-importance.
- Preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, brilliance, or ideal love.
- Believing that one is special and unique and can only be understood by special other people.
- Requiring excessive admiration.
- Having a sense of entitlement.
- Being exploitative in interpersonal relationships.
- Lacking empathy.
- Envying others or believing that others envy one.
- Displaying arrogant and haughty behaviors or attitudes.
For NPD to be diagnosed, at least five of these criteria must be consistently present and must significantly affect the person's life.
Causes of Narcissism
Although there is no single cause that explains why some people develop narcissistic disorder, several factors may play a role, including:
Genetic factors: There is evidence that certain personality traits, including those associated with narcissism, can be inherited. If one parent has narcissistic tendencies, the child is more likely to develop them as well.
Environmental factors: The way a person is raised can also influence the development of narcissism. Children who are overvalued by their parents or, conversely, who receive little love and attention may develop an exaggerated sense of their own importance.
Traumatic experiences: Emotional or physical abuse, neglect, and other traumatic experiences during childhood can also contribute to the development of narcissistic behaviors as a way of protecting oneself from emotional pain.
Treating Narcissism
Treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder is complex because people with it rarely recognize that they have a problem. Since self-criticism is something they avoid, it is difficult for them to seek psychological help on their own initiative. When they do, it is often because of problems arising from the disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or relationship difficulties.
Treatment often includes:
Cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of therapy helps narcissists identify and modify dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behaving. Through therapy, patients can learn to develop greater empathy for others and better handle criticism.
Interpersonal relationship therapy: This approach focuses on helping the patient improve his or her personal relationships by promoting greater awareness of how his or her behaviors affect others.
Pharmacological therapy: Although there is no specific medication to treat TPN, some associated symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, can be managed with medication.
Narcissism can have a devastating impact on relationships, whether romantic, familial, or professional. Narcissists tend to manipulate and exploit others, creating a toxic environment.
In a romantic relationship, the narcissist may appear charming at first, but soon shows his true nature, constantly seeking admiration and control. Their partners often feel devalued and emotionally drained.
In the workplace, narcissists can be extremely competitive and manipulative. Although they may initially impress their superiors with their confidence, in the long run, their lack of empathy and exploitative behaviors can lead to conflicts with colleagues.