Self-esteem and narcissism are concepts that are often confused or used interchangeably in everyday language, but in psychology they represent two clearly different mental states. Both are related to the perception that a person has of himself, but they diverge in how this perception develops and manifests itself in behavior and interpersonal relationships.
Self-esteem: The Basis of Mental Health
Self-esteem is defined as the general and global assessment that a person has of themselves. It is the result of evaluating your own skills, competencies, achievements and personal characteristics. Self-esteem is essential for psychological well-being, as it influences the way we perceive ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we face life's challenges.
Healthy self-esteem It is characterized by a balanced assessment of oneself, which includes recognizing both strengths and weaknesses. People with high self-esteem tend to trust their abilities, have a positive attitude towards life and be resilient in the face of difficulties. On the other hand, people with low self-esteem often experience insecurity, doubts about their abilities, and difficulties establishing healthy boundaries in their relationships.
Factors That Influence Self-Esteem
Self-esteem It is formed throughout life from various experiences and relationships. Some of the factors that can influence the development of self-esteem include:
- Childhood experiences: The way we were treated by our attachment figures during childhood. Childhood can have a significant impact on our self-esteem. Emotional support, unconditional acceptance, and positive appraisal from caregivers are essential to developing healthy self-esteem.
- Success and failure: Our experiences of success and failure, as well as Like the way we face challenges, they also influence our self-esteem. People who achieve their goals and overcome obstacles tend to strengthen their self-esteem, while those who experience repeated failures may see their self-perception affected.
- Social comparisons: Comparisons with others and the pressure to meet certain social standards can impact our self-esteem. Constant exposure to idealized images in the media and social networks can generate a feeling of inferiority in some people.
Narcissism: When Self-Esteem Becomes Pathology
Narcissism, on the other hand, is characterized by an exaggerated and grandiose view of oneself, as well as a constant need to be admired and validated by others. Although in moderate doses it can be perceived as self-confidence and charisma, narcissism in its pathological form is considered a personality disorder.
People with narcissistic traits tend to overvalue their own abilities, to be dominant in social interactions and constantly seeking attention. They often have difficulty empathizing with others, since their main concern is maintaining their image of superiority and perfection. Narcissism can manifest itself in different ways, such as malignant narcissism, which is characterized by manipulation and lack of consideration for others.
Key Differences between Self-Esteem and Narcissism
Although self-esteem and narcissism share the characteristic of being related to the image that a person has of himself, there are fundamental differences between both concepts:
- Empathy: While While people with healthy self-esteem tend to be able to empathize and care for others, individuals with narcissistic traits tend to show a lack of empathy and focus primarily on their own needs and desires.
- Self-evaluation :Self-esteem is based on a realistic and balanced evaluation of oneself, which includes recognizing both strengths and weaknesses. In contrast, narcissism is based on a distorted and exaggerated view of one's own worth, with a tendency to magnify achievements and minimize failures.
- Interpersonal Relationships: People with Healthy self-esteem tends to establish balanced and satisfying relationships, based on mutual respect and effective communication. On the other hand, those who present narcissistic traits have difficulties maintaining deep and meaningful relationships, since their main focus is their own image and need for admiration.
- Emotional flexibility: Healthy self-esteem It is characterized by the ability to adapt to different circumstances and constructively manage emotions, both positive and negative. Instead, narcissism is associated with emotional fragility and a tendency to overreact to criticism or failures.
The Role of Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Self-Esteem and Narcissism
Both low self-esteem and narcissism can have a significant impact on people's lives and their interpersonal relationships. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, may be beneficial in addressing these issues and promoting greater emotional well-being.
Treatment of Low Self-Esteem
In the In the case of low self-esteem, psychotherapy can help the person identify and question the negative beliefs they have about themselves, as well as develop strategies to improve self-esteem and confidence in their own abilities. Therapy can also focus on exploring past experiences that have contributed to the construction of a negative self-image and working on acceptance and self-care.
Treatment of Pathological Narcissism
In the case For pathological narcissism, psychotherapy can focus on helping the person recognize and question their patterns of thinking and behavior, as well as fostering empathy and consideration for others. Therapy can also address underlying difficulties, such as feelings of insecurity or emotional emptiness, that are at the root of the constant need for external validation.
Conclusions
In summary, self-esteem and narcissism represent two different ways of perceiving oneself and relating to others. While healthy self-esteem is essential for psychological well-being and satisfactory interpersonal relationships, pathological narcissism can have negative consequences for both the person who presents it and their environment.
Understand the difference between self-esteem and Narcissism is important to be able to identify possible problems in the perception of oneself and the way we relate to others. Psychotherapy can be a valuable tool to address these aspects and promote greater balance and emotional well-being.