Delve into the nuances of narcissism versus narcissistic traits to gain clarity on these terms, often used interchangeably. Learn about the causes, manifestations, and appropriate mental health professional treatment.
Narcissism vs. Narcissistic Traits: Unveiling the Differences
Introduction
In contemporary discourse, the terms “narcissist” and “narcissistic traits” are frequently employed without clear distinction, leading to misconceptions about these psychological phenomena. This article aims to elucidate the disparities between narcissism and narcissistic traits, shedding light on their manifestations, underlying causes, and appropriate avenues for treatment.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is diagnostically outlined in the DSM-5 (APA 2013; pages 669-672) and is characterized by a pervasive pattern of specific traits. To meet the criteria for NPD, an individual must exhibit at least five of the following traits:
Grandiosity: A grandiose sense of self-importance or uniqueness.
Need for admiration: A constant need for admiration and excessive attention from others.
Lack of empathy and Emotional Insight: Difficulty or inability to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others. Narcissists may have limited emotional insight and struggle to recognize or understand their own emotions. They may have difficulty expressing vulnerability or admitting fault, instead opting to maintain a facade of strength or superiority.
Interpersonal entitlement / Lacking Boundaries: Expecting special treatment and feeling entitled to privileges without reciprocation. They may disregard the boundaries of others and feel justified in exploiting or manipulating others to fulfill their own needs or desires.
Exploitative: Taking advantage of others to achieve one’s own goals without regard for their well-being.
Arrogance: Displaying haughty or arrogant attitudes and behaviours towards others.
Envy: Feeling envious of others or believing that others are envious of oneself.
Sense of superiority: Believing that one is superior to others and deserves special treatment.
Sense of entitlement: Expecting to receive favourable treatment and recognition without earning it.
Perception of Threat: Narcissists often perceive criticism or disagreement as a threat to their self-esteem or sense of superiority. They may react defensively or aggressively when their actions or behavior are challenged, resorting to manipulation or blame-shifting to maintain their self-image.
Sense of Ownership: Narcissists may exhibit possessive tendencies and view others as extensions of themselves. They may believe they are entitled to control or dictate the thoughts, feelings, and actions of those around them, leading to controlling or manipulative behavior.
While these indicators may suggest the presence of narcissistic traits, therapists need to conduct a comprehensive assessment to accurately diagnose narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or other related conditions. Therapists utilize various assessment tools, clinical interviews, and observations to evaluate the extent and impact of narcissistic traits on an individual’s functioning and well-being.
Additionally, therapists may explore underlying psychological factors and interpersonal dynamics to develop a tailored treatment approach for individuals with narcissistic traits.
For a diagnosis of NPD, the individual must display a persistent pattern of these traits across various situations and contexts, leading to significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Examining Traits as opposed to Personality Disorders: Understanding the Difference
The distinction between personality disorder and personality traits lies in the impact on an individual’s functioning and well-being:
Personality Traits: These are enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that contribute to an individual’s unique personality. Traits encompass various characteristics or qualities that shape how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them.
Examples of general personality traits include extraversion, conscientiousness, openness to experience, agreeableness, and neuroticism. While everyone possesses a blend of different personality traits, the combination and intensity of these traits vary among individuals and contribute to their individuality.
Personality Disorder: A personality disorder occurs when an individual’s personality traits significantly deviate from cultural norms and expectations, leading to distress and impairment in various areas of functioning, such as relationships, work, and social interactions.
Unlike occasional fluctuations in personality traits, personality disorders involve pervasive and inflexible patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that cause significant distress or impairment. Individuals with personality disorders may struggle with regulating their emotions, maintaining stable relationships, and adapting to changing circumstances.
While personality traits are inherent aspects of an individual’s personality that influence their thoughts and behaviours, a personality disorder involves maladaptive and dysfunctional patterns of traits that cause distress and impairment in daily life.
Addressing Narcissistic Characteristics / Traits or Tendencies in Particular
Narcissism, beyond a diagnosable disorder, also manifests as a personality trait. Rather than exhibiting full-blown Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), some individuals display narcissistic tendencies, characterized by self-centeredness and a pronounced ego.
An individual with narcissistic tendencies may showcase self-centered behaviour without meeting the criteria for NPD. For instance, someone excessively preoccupied with their physical appearance, seeking constant validation for their looks, might not necessarily have NPD. These tendencies could stem from childhood or adolescent insecurities.” It’s essential to recognize that narcissistic behaviour is developmentally typical in adolescents, reflecting a stage of self-discovery and identity formation.
Moreover, individuals with narcissistic traits often retain some level of empathy and exhibit kindness in certain aspects of their lives. Despite their self-absorption, narcissistic individuals may demonstrate empathy and kindness in other domains. Their behaviour doesn’t necessarily involve malicious exploitation of others. While pursuing lofty goals may entail a degree of narcissism, crossing ethical boundaries and harming others signifies potential disorder.”
The Perceived Causes of Narcissism
The root cause of narcissism remains uncertain, although it may be influenced by various factors, including:
Environment: Upbringing characterized by excessive adoration or criticism that fails to align with an individual’s actual experiences and accomplishments.
Genetics: Inherited characteristics, including specific personality traits, may contribute to narcissistic tendencies.
Neurobiology: The interplay between brain function, behavior, and cognitive processes may play a role in shaping narcissistic behavior. Individuals exhibiting narcissistic traits often possess charm and charisma, initially masking negative behaviors, particularly within relationships. They tend to cultivate connections with individuals who reinforce their self-image, even if these relationships lack depth or authenticity.
Options for Treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Therapeutic Approaches for Narcissistic Personality Disorder Therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), stands as a valuable treatment avenue for NPD, although there isn’t a universally prescribed method for addressing the disorder. Collaborating with a therapist enables individuals with NPD to enhance their interpersonal skills, fostering deeper and more fulfilling connections with others.
During therapy sessions, individuals work with their therapist to explore the root causes of their emotions and understand the underlying reasons for their tendencies to compete with and distrust others. Therapists assist in uncovering authentic competencies and talents, facilitating the acceptance of criticism and resilience in the face of setbacks. By addressing the core issues impacting their self-esteem, individuals learn effective strategies for managing distress and building healthier self-perceptions.
Medication Management for Narcissistic Personality
While there are no specific medications tailored for NPD, individuals with the disorder may experience co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression. In such cases, psychiatrists may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms associated with these comorbidities, which can indirectly contribute to ameliorating narcissistic traits.
Combining psychotherapy with medication management, as guided by mental health professionals, psychiatrists in particular, offers a comprehensive approach to treating NPD. Through therapeutic interventions and pharmacological support, individuals with NPD gain fresh insights into their thought patterns, recognize the interplay between their behavior and self-esteem, and cultivate healthier, reciprocal relationships with others.
Similarly, individuals exhibiting narcissistic tendencies, without a formal diagnosis of NPD, can benefit from specialized intervention from mental health providers. Such professionals can help individuals recognize their narcissistic tendencies and facilitate necessary changes to enhance overall well-being and fulfillment in life.
The Challenge of Living with a Narcissist
There are intricate strategies employed by narcissists to assert control over their victims. It begins by elucidating gaslighting, a manipulative technique wherein the narcissist undermines the victim’s perception of reality, causing them to doubt their own sanity. Gaslighting is portrayed as a potent tool for eroding the victim’s self-esteem and fostering dependency on the narcissist.
Furthermore, projection is another common element, whereby the narcissist deflects their own flaws onto the victim, creating a sense of confusion and guilt within the victim. This manipulation tactic serves to divert attention away from the narcissist’s shortcomings while casting the victim as the source of problems.
Triangulation is another tactic used wherein the narcissist introduces a third party into the relationship to sow seeds of discord and jealousy. By fostering competition and insecurity, the narcissist maintains control over the victim’s emotions and loyalties.
Additionally, we recognize into the charm offensive often employed by narcissists to initially win over their victims. This charm serves as a façade masking the narcissist’s manipulative intentions, drawing the victim into a web of deceit and emotional manipulation.
Guilt-tripping and isolation tactics are also employed, highlighting how narcissists leverage guilt and social isolation to maintain dominance over their victims. By instilling feelings of obligation and isolation, narcissists ensure their victims remain compliant and reliant on them for validation and support.
How Narcissists React When They Lose Control
When faced with resistance or inability to control others, narcissists typically respond with intense anger and frustration. Whether individuals are equipped to defend themselves against manipulation or gradually break free from the narcissist’s influence, the narcissist’s loss of control invariably triggers severe emotional reactions.
Narcissistic behaviour often stems from childhood experiences of control and domination, particularly from narcissistic parents who wielded authority over their emotions and lives. This upbringing not only molds narcissistic traits but also instills a deep-seated desire for control as individuals mature into adulthood. Therefore, when they encounter resistance or defiance, narcissists perceive it as a threat to their authority and sense of superiority.
Consequently, narcissists may resort to aggression, both verbal and physical, as a means of asserting dominance and regaining control. Threats and intimidation tactics are common responses when they feel their control slipping away.
In such situations, it becomes imperative for individuals to establish firm boundaries and terminate the relationship with the narcissist, especially if there are threats to one’s safety and well-being. Prioritizing one’s health and self-preservation is paramount in dealing with narcissistic individuals.
Managing a Narcissistic Relationship
Overall, this article underscores the importance of recognizing manipulative tactics and establishing firm boundaries to protect oneself from the toxic influence of narcissists. It advocates for empowerment through education and self-awareness, equipping individuals with the tools to navigate and resist manipulation in their relationships.
Navigating Relationships with Narcissists: Strategies for Home and Work
Encountering individuals with narcissistic traits, which may signal narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), can profoundly impact both personal and professional spheres. Recent research indicates that a significant portion of Americans believe they have encountered narcissists, emphasizing the need for effective coping mechanisms. Here’s how to handle narcissists in both home and work environments:
Encountering Narcissists: Common Occurrences
Research revealed that half of Americans identify narcissists in their lives, with various relationships reflecting this dynamic:
35% report a narcissistic friend.
11.29% identify a narcissistic sibling.
10.5% recognize narcissistic traits in their mother.
9.31% acknowledge narcissistic behavior in their father.
8.51% mention a narcissistic partner.
7.92% observe narcissistic tendencies in their boss.
7.33% recognize narcissistic behavior in their sister.
5.15% admit to their narcissistic tendencies.
17.62% cite other relationships, such as with coworkers, neighbours, or extended family members.
Given these findings, it’s evident that narcissists permeate various spheres of life. Practical strategies for dealing with narcissists are imperative, tailored to specific contexts.
Dealing with Narcissists at Work: 4 Tips
Maintain Distance: Limit interaction with narcissistic coworkers whenever possible. Minimize collaboration to reduce exposure to manipulation and exploitation of weaknesses.
Practice Self-Censorship: Exercise caution in interactions with narcissistic colleagues. Avoid disclosing sensitive information or expressing opinions that could be manipulated to their advantage.
Prepare and Defend: Anticipate and emotionally prepare for potential confrontations with narcissists. Have strategies in place to defend against false accusations or attacks on reputation.
Avoid Personalization: Recognize that narcissistic behaviour is rooted in personal insecurities and self-centeredness rather than reflecting the shortcomings of those targeted. Refrain from internalizing their actions or words.
Handling Narcissists at Home: 4 Hacks
Foster Honest Communication: Engage in open discussions with narcissistic family members about the impact of their behavior. Encourage reflection and consideration of potential changes.
Support Behavioural Change: Offer assistance to narcissistic loved ones in identifying and addressing their harmful tendencies. Facilitate self-awareness and promote efforts toward behavioral modification.
Set Clear Boundaries: Establish and enforce boundaries regarding acceptable behavior. Communicate consequences for crossing boundaries, reinforcing accountability.
Maintain Perspective: Remember that narcissistic behavior reflects the individual’s insecurities and desires for dominance, rather than a reflection of one’s worth. Avoid internalizing hurtful actions or comments.
By implementing these strategies, individuals can effectively navigate relationships with narcissists, fostering healthier dynamics and protecting their well-being in both personal and professional settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, discerning between narcissism and narcissistic traits is paramount for fostering nuanced understandings of these psychological phenomena. By delineating the disparities in causation, manifestations, and treatment modalities, we empower individuals to navigate interpersonal dynamics with clarity and compassion.
Let us endeavour to cultivate empathy, awareness, and discernment in our interactions, transcending the superficiality of labels to foster genuine connections and mutual respect.
Understanding the nuances between narcissism and narcissistic traits is essential for navigating interpersonal dynamics and fostering healthy relationships. Through discernment and education, we can cultivate empathy and foster genuine connections, transcending the superficiality of labels to embrace authenticity and mutual respect.
AN IMPORTANT “TAKE-HOME” MESSAGE
It’s quite common to hear people casually using the term “narcissist” to describe someone in their lives, whether it’s an employer, family member, or partner.
It is a term that is bandied about very freely. However, it’s essential to understand that Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a clinical diagnosis that can only be made by qualified mental health professionals such as psychiatrists or psychologists.
As a wellness counselor, I, Kylie Grove, possess the necessary skills and professional expertise, authorized by my registration and qualifications, to work with individuals who exhibit narcissistic traits and tendencies do not offer treatment of the personality disorder of NPD. A Wellness Counsellor’s scope of practice prevent us from making the diagnosis and providing the treatment. However, I may legally offer counselling to those who portray the tendencies and assist in ways to manage them. I do refer when I suspect any personality disorders to a wide network of psychologists that I work with.
I strongly advise against casually using the term “narcissist” and caution against attempting to self-diagnose or diagnose others by searching for symptoms online.
While Google can be a helpful resource for general information, it is not a substitute for professional expertise, particularly in medical fields where symptoms often overlap across various conditions.
Therefore, from a professional standpoint, I encourage refraining from self-diagnosis, using terms without proper understanding and confirmed diagnoses, and rather consult with qualified professionals.
