Narcissism is a term that comes from Greek mythology, where Narcissus, a handsome young man, fell in love with his own image reflected in the water and remained absorbed in it until he died. In psychology, narcissism refers to a personality disorder characterized by an excessive sense of self-importance, lack of empathy, and constant need for admiration. There are different types of narcissism, each with its own distinctive characteristics. In this article, we will explore the 9 types of narcissism and how to easily recognize them in everyday life.
The 9 types of narcissism
1 . Grandiose Narcissism
Grandiose narcissism is one of the most common and recognizable types of narcissism. People who present this type of narcissism tend to show an excessive sense of superiority, believing themselves to be unique and special. They constantly seek admiration and validation from others, and have difficulty relating in a genuine way. They can be arrogant, self-centered and lack empathy towards others.
2. Vulnerable Narcissism
Unlike grandiose narcissism, vulnerable narcissism is characterized by deep insecurity and sensitivity to criticism. People with this type of narcissism often hide their low self-esteem behind a facade of arrogance or indifference. They constantly seek validation and approval from others to feel secure in themselves, and may become hostile or withdrawn if they do not receive the attention they desire.
3. Aggressive Narcissism
Aggressive narcissism manifests itself in individuals who tend to be dominant, controlling and manipulative in their interpersonal relationships. They constantly seek to maintain power and superiority over others, and will not hesitate to use intimidation or aggression to achieve their goals. They tend to lack empathy and consideration for the feelings of others, focusing solely on satisfying their own needs and desires.
4. Covert Narcissism
Covert narcissism is characterized by an apparent modesty and humility that actually conceals a deep sense of superiority and grandiosity. People with this type of narcissism often victimize themselves and seek sympathy to manipulate others and get what they want. They can be passive-aggressive and use guilt to control the people around them, without openly showing their need for admiration and validation.
5. Shadow Narcissism
Shadow narcissism refers to a type of narcissism marked by the presence of dark and sinister traits in an individual's personality. These people can display destructive behaviors, such as envy, sadism or antisocial behavior, and can be dangerous to those around them. They often experience intense feelings of anger, resentment and contempt towards others, and can become manipulative and even violent in their relationships.
6. Collectivist Narcissism
Collectivist narcissism refers to the tendency of a group of individuals to excessively identify with a specific group, such as a community, organization, or nation. These people tend to overvalue the importance and superiority of their group, showing strong pride and loyalty towards it, and despising those who do not belong to it. They may be intolerant, xenophobic and willing to resort to violence to defend their collective beliefs and values.
7. Spiritual Narcissism
Spiritual narcissism is characterized by a narcissistic appropriation of spirituality, where the person seeks to excuse their narcissism through spiritual or religious practices. They may believe themselves to be superior or more spiritually evolved than others, using their supposed enlightenment as a shield against criticism and self-evaluation. They tend to show a lack of humility and empathy, believing themselves to be above common moral and ethical standards.
8. Sociopathic Narcissism
Sociopathic narcissism combines typical traits of narcissistic personality disorder with characteristics of psychopathy. These people may show a marked disregard for social and legal norms, and lack remorse or empathy for the suffering of others. They may act in a manipulative, deceitful or violent manner to achieve their goals, showing a total lack of consideration for the consequences of their actions on others.
9. Sexual Narcissism
Sexual narcissism is characterized by an excessive obsession with one's own appearance and physical attractiveness, as well as with the conquest and control of sexual partners. These people tend to use others as objects to satisfy their own sexual and admiration needs, without caring about the feelings or well-being of their partners. They can be seductive, manipulative and egocentric in their intimate relationships, constantly seeking validation and desire from others.
How to easily recognize the types of narcissism
Recognize the different types of narcissism In everyday life it can be challenging, as many people may exhibit narcissistic traits to a greater or lesser extent without necessarily meeting all the criteria for a narcissistic personality disorder. However, there are certain common signs and behaviors that can help you identify the different types of narcissism:
1. Constant search for admiration
People with narcissism, regardless of their type, tend to constantly seek attention and admiration from others. They may need compliments, praise, or external validation to feel secure in themselves, and they may become aggressive or manipulative if they do not receive the admiration they desire.
2. Lack of empathy
Lack of empathy is a common characteristic in almost all types of narcissism. Narcissistic people tend to focus exclusively on their own needs, desires, and emotions, without concern for the feelings or experiences of others. They can be insensitive, indifferent or even cruel to those who do not provide them with what they want.
3. Manipulation and control
Manipulative and controlling behavior is a warning sign of narcissism, especially in types such as aggressive or sociopathic narcissism. Narcissistic people may use emotional manipulation, intimidation, or lying to get what they want, without caring about the impact their actions have on others.
4. Oversensitivity to criticism
People with narcissism are often extremely sensitive to criticism and disapproval from others, especially types such as vulnerable or covert narcissism. They may react with fury, resentment or victimization to the slightest criticism, aggressively defending their fragile and vulnerable self-image.
5. Destructive Behaviors
Darker types of narcissism, such as shadow narcissism or sociopathic narcissism, can manifest in behaviors that are destructive and harmful to others. These people may show aggression, sadism, envy or violence, and may cause physical, emotional or psychological harm to those around them.
6. Appeal to moral or spiritual superiority
Some types of narcissism, such as spiritual narcissism, can manifest themselves in an attitude of moral or spiritual superiority, where the person believes themselves to be above common norms and values. They may judge others from a position of supposed enlightenment or superiority, showing a lack of humility and empathy towards those who do not share their beliefs or values.
In conclusion, identifying the different types of narcissism can be crucial for protect oneself and others from possible emotional or psychological harm. It is important to remember that narcissism is a complex personality disorder that can manifest in a variety of ways, and that each individual is unique in their combination of narcissistic traits and behaviors. Awareness and education around narcissism can contribute to better understanding and management of this type of disorder, both on a personal and interpersonal level.