The 7 types of narcissism

There is a lot of talk about narcissistic people, but do we really know what they are like? Are they people with high self-esteem or just the opposite? In this article we will briefly explain what this personality pattern consists of, and we will focus on the different types of narcissism that there may be.

As we will see, narcissism is characterized by a pattern of grandeur and fantasy; They are people with little or no empathy who always seek their benefit, and who constantly highlight their great achievements and strengths.. However, a covert narcissist is not the same as another dependent, for example. What differentiates each type of narcissism?

What do we understand by narcissism?

Narcissism is defined as a behavioral pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. When a person is narcissistic they may manifest some of these symptoms, and this does not have to constitute a personality disorder. However, when the symptoms become accentuated and interfere with the person’s functioning (or cause discomfort), then we speak of narcissistic personality disorder.

In both cases, both in narcissism (as a personality characteristic, less severe) and in narcissistic personality disorder, according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of disorders mental), the person displays characteristics or behaviors such as:

Exploitation of personal relationships for one’s own benefit. Airs of grandeur and arrogance. Low self-esteem (which he covers up with his apparently confident behavior). Fantasies of success, power, beauty… Manifesting feelings of privilege. Beliefs that others envy him (or envy him). to others). Etc.

Types of narcissism

Depending on the characteristics of the narcissistic person, we can talk about different types of narcissism.. Although this categorization is not supported by any diagnostic manual, the truth is that their possible existence has been postulated. We describe some of the most frequent:

Covert narcissism

Covert narcissism is defined as that used by people who, at first glance, They seem charming and even devoted to others, but in reality they only seek their own benefit. Thus, they are people with the typical characteristics of narcissism, but who act in a more subtle or covert way.

Dependent narcissism

Another type of narcissism is dependent narcissism. In these cases, we talk about people with a very pronounced need to feel approved and admired by others.

They make people believe that they feel superior to others, but in reality, behind this “shell” hides a very low self-esteem that needs to be nurtured and fed with praise from people around them. Strong dependency makes them seek relationships at all costs, always to exploit them and obtain some type of benefit.

impulsive narcissism

Beyond the symptoms of narcissism, here we are talking about people with low tolerance for frustration and very marked impulsivity. They may issue disproportionate responses to situations who live above all in situations that they consider unjust. This type of behavior often causes them to have conflicts with others.

powerful narcissism

They are narcissists who always want to be in control of the situation, as well as reason. They go around with an air of superiority and believe they are very special and powerful, whether because of their socioeconomic status, their work, their beauty…

As always, this is a half-belief, volatile and vulnerable, because low self-esteem always hides behind it (covert). They tend to impose their will on others.

Unconscious narcissism

Another type of narcissism is the unconscious. Here traits may be more subtle, and the person not realizing that they are acting narcissistically. However, self-aggrandizement, arrogance and denial of one’s own weaknesses appear.

vulnerable narcissism

Also called hypervigilant or hypersensitive narcissism, They are shameful and withdrawn people., which may seem vulnerable. They are also characterized by being very sensitive and with low self-esteem, which is more evident than in other types of narcissism. They also feel a great need to be cared for and approved.

perverse narcissism

Also called malignant narcissism, are people who act without thinking about the consequences of their actions (if that benefits them). Another trait that characterizes them is selfishness; They don’t mind trampling, deceiving or manipulating to others if they get what they want. Thus, they have this point of malice that other types of narcissism do not present.

Do you know someone with narcissism…?

Narcissistic people, although a priori They may seem very attractive and interesting, they end up generating rejection in those around them. Surely if you know someone with narcissism, their arrogance and arrogance has ended up making you distance yourself from these people.

However, we must keep in mind that, behind this “facade” and this shell of greatness and superiority, low self-esteem often hides, as we have said, in addition to feelings such as loneliness or fear of not being accepted. That is why they need that admiration so much, from outside, because from within they do not know how to love themselves.

For these reasons, let’s not fall into the trap of seeing these people as relentless, arrogant and invulnerable, because they are not. It’s more, Many times they need help and don’t know how to ask for it.. On the other hand, it is understandable that we feel rejection towards them, because we all like to surround ourselves with people who make us feel good.

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